Efficient Synthesis of Eight-Membered Nitrogen Heterocycles from O-Propargylic Oximes by Rhodium-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions

Azocine derivatives were successfully synthesized from O-propargylic oximes by means of a Rh-catalyzed 2,3-rearrangement/heterocyclization cascade reaction. Moreover, the chirality of the substrate was maintained throughout the cascade process to afford the corresponding optically active azocines.