One-pot cascade synthesis of N-methoxyisoquinolinediones via Rh(<scp>iii</scp>)-catalyzed carbenoid insertion C–H activation/cyclization

Abstract

Here a new, mild and versatile method for one-pot cascade synthesis of diverse N-methoxyisoquinolinediones via Rh(III)-catalyzed regioselective carbenoid insertion C-H activation/cyclization of N-methoxybenzamides with α-diazotized Meldrum's acid has been achieved. Extension of the developed Rh(III) catalysis for building new analogs of the marketed drug Edaravone has also been demonstrated.