The cleavage and functionalization of strong CÀC single bonds [1] by transition metal compounds is an important transformation, [2±6] which is relevant to Ziegler ± Natta catalysis [7] and to other organometallic processes. [8, 9] Aryl elimination by activation of a b-C alkyl ÀC aryl bond [5] is the microscopic reverse of the migratory insertion of an alkene into a MÀC aryl bond, a relevant step of the Heck reaction [8] and of the SHOP process. [9] Herein we report on the conversion of a [PdÀCH 2 CMe 2 Ph] moiety into the corresponding phenyl derivative, [Pd À Ph] , and the subsequent functionalization of the latter by conventional C 2 H 4 migratory insertion chemistry to produce C 6 H 5 CHCH 2 .