Rhenium-catalyzed synthesis of naphthalene derivatives via insertion of aldehydes into a C-H bond

Arhenium complex, [ReBr(CO)(3)(THF)](2), catalyzed reactions of aromatic ketimines and aldehydes with dienophiles, followed by dehydration, to give naphthalene derivatives in good to excellent yields. This reaction proceeds via C-H bond activation, insertion of an aldehyde, intramolecular nucleophilic cyclization, reductive elimination, elimination of aniline and Diels-Alder reaction. After dehydration, naphthalene derivatives were formed. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.