Rh(III)-Catalyzed Cascade Annulation/C–H Activation of <i>o</i>-Ethynylanilines with Diazo Compounds: One-Pot Synthesis of Benzo[<i>a</i>]carbazoles via 1,4-Rhodium Migration

Abstract

A Rh(III)-catalyzed cascade annulation/C-H activation of o-ethynylanilines with diazo compounds has been developed. This concise method allows for the rapid formation of a number of benzo[a]carbazoles in high yields, exhibiting good functional group tolerance and scalability. The key to the success of this approach involves one C-N bond and two C-C bond formation, and an aryl-to-aryl 1,4-rhodium migration.