Ruthenium-Catalyzed C-H/N-O Bond Functionalization: Green Isoquinolone Syntheses in Water

Ruthenium-catalyzed isoquinolone syntheses with ample scope were accomplished through carboxylate assistance in environmentally benign water as a reaction medium. The high chemoselectivity of the ruthenium(II) carboxylate complex also set the stage for the direct use of free hydroxamic acids for annulations of alkynes.