Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C-H Activation Mediated Synthesis of Isoquinolones from Amides and Cyclopropenes.
We have developed a synthesis of 4-substituted isoquinolones from the Rh(III)-catalyzed, C-H activation mediated, coupling of O-pivaloyl benzhydroxamic acids and 3,3-disubstituted cyclopropenes. Experiments suggest the formation of a [4.1.0] bicyclic-system, which can open under acidic conditions to generate the desired isoquinolone.