Construction of (Dihydro)naphtho[1,8-bc]pyrans via Rh(III)-Catalyzed Twofold C-H Activation of Benzoylacetonitriles

Rh(III)-catalyzed cascade C-H activation of benzoylacetonitriles and annulation with sulfoxonium ylides was realized, leading to selective synthesis of naphthols, 2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,8-bc]pyrans, and naphtho[1,8-bc]pyrans. This step-economic reaction proceeded efficiently under mild and redox-neutral conditions via multiple C-H activations.