Rh(III)-Catalyzed Direct Coupling of Azobenzenes with α-Diazo Esters: Facile Synthesis of Cinnolin-3(2H)-ones.

Abstract

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct C-H functionalization of azobenzenes with α-diazo compounds is described. These transformations provide the facile and efficient construction of C2-alkylated azobenzenes or highly substituted cinnolin-3(2H)-ones. Furthermore, this protocol leads to the formation of cinnolin-3(2H)-ones using a diazo derivative of Meldrum's acid.