Synthesis of isoquinolines via Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation using hydrazone as a new oxidizing directing group

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ol402796m

An efficient and mechanistically interesting method for the synthesis of highly substituted isoquinolines by a Rh(III)-catalyzed hydrazone directed ortho C-H bond activation and annulation without an external oxidant is described. This reaction is accomplished via a C-C and C-N bond formation along with N-N bond cleavage.