10.1021/acs.orglett.0c00103
The study focuses on the synthesis and reactivity of a unique class of acyclic, bis-diazo compounds known as donor-acceptor-acceptor 1,3-bisdiazo compounds, which are derived from acyclic β-keto esters and are highly reactive at the donor-acceptor diazo unit. These compounds were used to explore their potential in C?H functionalization, a technology that allows carbon?hydrogen bonds to be transformed into diverse functionalities and new carbon?carbon bonds. The purpose of using these chemicals was to investigate their capacity for performing a variety of transformations, particularly in the context of dirhodium-catalyzed carbene C?H insertions, which are valuable for synthetic applications. The study also aimed to understand the reactivity of these compounds, especially their ability to undergo stepwise diazo decompositions and participate in sequential carbene transformations. Key chemicals used in the study include rhodium acetate, various alcohols, and acyclic β-keto esters, which served as starting materials and reagents in the synthesis and reactivity experiments.