C-H Bond Activation for the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Atropisomers Yields Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors

Axially chiral 4-arylisoquinolones are endowed with pronounced bioactivity, and methods for their efficient synthesis have gained widespread attention. However, enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral 4-arylisoquinolones by means of C-H activation has not been reported to date. Described here is a rhodium (III)-catalyzed C-H bond activation and annulation for the atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral 4-arylisoquinolones. The method employs chiral cyclopentadienyl ligands embodying a piperidine ring as backbone and yields the atropisomers with good to excellent yields and enantioselectivity. Biological relevance of the 4-arylisoquinolones was demonstrated by their investigation in different cellular assays, leading to the discovery of novel non-SMO (SMO = smoothened) binding Hedgehog pathway inhibitors.