Selective Synthesis of Aminoisoquinolines via Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H/N-H Bond Functionalization of N-Aryl Amidines with Cyclic 2-Diazo-1,3-diketones

A simple C-H/N-H bond functionalization of N-aryl amidines with cyclic 2-diazo-1,3-diketones for the synthesis of 1-aminoisoquinolines has been accomplished by employing [Cp*RhCl2](2)/CsOPiv as the catalyst system. This methodology proceeds by a cascade C-H activation/intramolecular cyclization under mild reaction conditions, features a broad substrate scope, and involves the formation of two new bonds (C-C and C-N) in a single operation for the construction of novel 1-aminoisoquinoline skeletons in good to excellent yields.