α-Phosphinoylnaphthols were obtained by redox-neutral annulation of 1-alkynylphosphine oxides with α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides under rhodium(III) catalysis. This protocol shows good regioselectivity and broad functional-group tolerance.
Key words
C–H activation - rhodium catalysis - cyclization - carbocycles - phosphinoylnaphthols - ylides