Rhodium(III)-catalyzed [3+2] annulative coupling between oximes and electron-deficient alkynes

Abstract

Rhodium(III)-catalyzed coupling between ketoximes and alkynes via C-H activation and annulation typically followed the [4+2] selectivity to afford isoquinolines. By designing alkynes bearing a highly electron-withdrawing group and under substrate control, we have successfully switched the selectivity of the coupling between oximes and alkynes to the alternative [3+2] annulation, leading to the efficient synthesis of indenamines. This process features good regioselectivity for both substrates, high efficiency, broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group tolerance.