Aerobic Oxidative C–H Olefination of Cyclic <i>N</i>-Sulfonyl Ketimines Catalyzed by a Rhodium Catalyst

Abstract

A useful method for the synthesis of ortho-olefinated ketimines from readily accessible cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimines and various olefins has been achieved. The reactions proceeded by Rh(III)-catalyzed, N-sulfonyl ketimine-directed C-H cleavage under aerobic conditions. Further synthetic transformations of the olefinic products led to interesting heterocyclic molecules.