Directed C-H Alkenylation of Quinoline N-Oxides at the C-8 Position Using a Cationic Rhodium(I) Catalyst

The cationic rhodium-catalyzed alkenylation proceeds at the C-8 position of quinoline N-oxides. Regioselective CH bond activation was achieved by the directing effect of the anionic oxygen of an N-oxide moiety, which can be readily removed by reductive treatment. A variety of 8-alkenylated quinoline N-oxides was obtained in moderate to high yields.