Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of β-CF3-Enones with Quinoline N-Oxides

The site-selective incorporation of a trifluoromethyl group into biologically active molecules and pharmaceuticals has emerged as a central topic in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Herein, we demonstrate the rhodium(III)-catalyzed conjugate addition of fi-trifluoromethylated enones with quinoline N-oxides, which result in the generation of fi-trifluoromethyl-fi '- quinolinated ketones. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with complete functional group tolerance. The synthetic applicability was showcased by successful gram-scale experiments and valuable synthetic transformations of coupling products.

Automated summary

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed conjugate addition of fi-trifluoromethylated enones with quinoline N-oxides for the site-selective incorporation of a trifluoromethyl group into biologically active molecules and pharmaceuticals has been demonstrated. The reaction shows excellent functional group tolerance and synthetic applicability, making it a valuable tool for gram-scale experiments and coupling product transformations.