Oxazolinyl-Assisted Ru(II)-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization Based on Carbene Migratory Insertion: A One-Pot Three-Component Cascade Cyclization

A rare, ruthenium-catalyzed, oxazolinlyl assisted C-H functionalization and three-component cascade cyclization for the synthesis of isoquinolinones via a metal-carbene migratory insertion is reported. The transformation is unique since it involves the formation of multiple bonds in one pot via C-H functionalization and ring opening of oxazolines. Detailed mechanistic investigations reveal interesting insights on the mode of transformation, involving reversible C-H activation, migratory insertion of the diazo compound and cascade cyclization as the key step of the transformation.