Rh(III)-catalyzed sequential C-H activation and annulation: access to N-fused heterocycles from arylazoles and α-diazocarbonyl compounds

A mild and simple protocol has been developed for the synthesis of N-fused heterocycles from arylazoles and alpha-diazocarbonyl compounds via Rh(III)-catalyzed sequential C-H activation and annulation. Three kinds of N-fused heterocycles derived from arylpyrazoles, arylbenzimidazoles and aryl 1,2,4-triazole were successfully obtained. The reactivity of the other four arylazole analogues was also investigated.