Generating Fischer-Type Rh-Carbenes with Rh-Carbynoids

J Am Chem Soc. 2023 Mar 8;145(9):4975-4981. doi: 10.1021/jacs.3c00012. Epub 2023 Feb 22.

Abstract

We describe the first catalytic generation of Fischer-type acyloxy Rh(II)-carbenes from carboxylic acids and Rh(II)-carbynoids. This novel class of transient donor/acceptor Rh(II)-carbenes evolved through a cyclopropanation process providing access to densely functionalized cyclopropyl-fused lactones with excellent diastereoselectivity. DFT calculations allowed the analysis of the properties of Rh(II)-carbynoids and acyloxy Rh(II)-carbenes as well as the characterization of the mechanism.