Rh(III)-catalyzed C–H/C–C activation of benzoylacetonitriles and cyclization with CF3-imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides to 3-trifluoromethyl-isoquinolones

A Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H&C-C activation/annulation of benzoylacetonitriles and CF3-substituted imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides (TFISYs) has been disclosed, which provide a facile access to biologically important 3-trifluoromethyl-isoquinolones. The transformation proceeds with the cleavage of one C-H bond and one unusual C-C bond of benzoylacetonitriles, along with the removal of a molecule of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and acetonitrile (CH3CN). The reaction has notable merits of low amounts of catalyst loading, mild conditions, a broad substrate scope, high efficiency, and scalability.