Rhodium-Catalyzed C8-Alkenylation of Isoquinolones with Maleimides

An efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H alkenylation of N-protected isoquinolone with maleimides is reported. The carbonyl group of isoquinolone acts as an inherent directing group. Various N-substituents in the maleimide, including alkyl, aryl, and even H and -OH, were well tolerated under the developed reaction condition. This protocol showed broad substrate scope, good selectivity, and excellent yields. Hammett plot is also drawn to check the effect of substituents on the reaction progress.

Automated summary

An efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H alkenylation of N-protected isoquinolone with maleimides is demonstrated, where the carbonyl group of isoquinolone acts as an inherent directing group. Various N-substituents in the maleimide, including alkyl, aryl, and even H and -OH, were well tolerated. This protocol exhibits broad substrate scope, good selectivity, and excellent yields, with the effect of substituents on the reaction progress confirmed by Hammett plot.