Rh(III)‐Catalyzed Redox‐Neutral Cascade Annulation of Benzamides withp‐Quinone Methides

Abstract

Herein, we demonstrate a [RhCp*Cl2]2catalyzed synthesis of isoindolo[2,1‐b]isoquinolin‐5(7H)‐one derivatives fromN‐(pivaloyloxy)benzamides andp‐quinone methides under redox neutral conditions.p‐Quinone methide derivatives were engaged for the first time as precursors in C–H activation reactions and the cascade sequence consists of Rh(III)‐catalyzed C–H activation, alkyne insertion followed by an intramolecular 1,6‐conjugate addition. This novel tandem reaction strategy offers a rapid and straightforward access to complex fused isoquinolinone derivatives in an efficient manner.