Synthesis of 2,3-Benzodiazepines via Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of N-Boc Hydrazones with Diazoketoesters

An efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 2,3-benzodiazepines with use of N-Boc hydrazones and diazoketoesters as substrates. The reaction features retention of the C = N and N-N bonds and selective cleavage of the N-Boc moiety.