The development of innovative strategies for the synthesis of N-heterocyclic compounds is an important topic in organic synthesis. Ring expansion methods to form large N-heterocycles often involve the cycloaddition of strained aza rings with π bonds. However, in some cases such strategies suffer from some limitations owing to the difficulties in controlling the regioselectivity and the accessibility
Lithium-iodine exchange initiated cyclization of o-iodo-N-methoxy-N-methyl phenylacetamides provides a simple and efficient route to benzocyclobutenones.
Expeditious Synthesis of Isoquinolone Derivatives by Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed Annulation Reaction through C–C Bond Cleavage
A Rh(I)-catalyzed intermolecular cyclization between isocyanates and benzocyclobutenols leading to isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones through selective cleavage of a C–C bond has been realized. Exploiting the same strategy, we developed a Rh(I)-catalyzed three-component reaction of benzocyclobutenols, isonitriles, and sulfonyl azides to access isoquinolin-1(2H)-imines. These procedures provide unique and expeditious