Rh(III)-Catalyzed Oxidative C–H Activation/Annulation of Salicylaldehydes with Masked Enynes for the Synthesis of Chromones

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed oxidative C–H activation/annulation of salicylaldehydes with propargylic acetates has been developed for the regioselective synthesis of 3-vinyl chromones in good yields with broad functional group tolerance. 3-Vinyl chromones were converted into biologically active benzo[c]xanthone by I2-mediated oxidative electrocyclization.