Rh-catalyzed intermolecular carbenoid functionalization of aromatic C-H bonds by α-diazomalonates

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Aug 22;134(33):13565-8. doi: 10.1021/ja305771y. Epub 2012 Aug 7.

Abstract

A Rh-catalyzed intermolecular coupling of diazomalonates with arene C-H bonds is reported. The reaction is initiated by electrophilic C-H activation, which is followed by coupling of the arylrhodium(III) complex with the diazomalonate. In most cases, arenes with oximes, carboxylic acids, and amines as directing groups cross-couple with diazomalonates with excellent regioselectivities and functional group tolerance, and thus, this reaction offers a new route to α-aryl carbonyl compounds for specific applications.