Rhodium-Catalyzed Annulation of 2-Arylimidazoles and α-Aroyl Sulfoxonium Ylides toward 5-Arylimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

Abstract

A Rh-catalyzed annulation between 2-aryl-1H-benzo[d]imidazoles and α-aroyl sulfoxonium ylides was developed, affording a series of benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolines in moderate to excellent yields. This procedure proceeded with the sequential ortho-C–H functionalization and cyclization, representing a facile and straightforward pathway to access such frameworks.

Key words

rhodium catalysis - annulation - sulfoxonium ylides - 2-aryl­imidazoles - isoquinolines

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