Access to 2-naphthols via Ru(ii)-catalyzed C-H annulation of nitrones with α-diazo sulfonyl ketones

Efficient synthesis of 2-naphthols was realized by Ru(ii)-catalyzed C-H activation of aryl nitrones and intermolecular [3+3] annulation with alpha-diazo sulfonyl ketones under redox-neutral conditions. Easily available alpha-diazo sulfonyl ketones act as a three-carbon component in the reaction.