Rh(iii)-Catalyzed C–C coupling of unactivated C(sp3)–H bonds with iodonium ylides for accessing all-carbon quaternary centers

Abstract

Rhodium-catalyzed inert C(sp³)–H activation/carbene insertion, which enables the construction of all-carbon quaternary centers, has been realized. Iodonium ylides are used as C1 synthons for efficient C–C bond formation with PhI being the only by-product. A rhodacycle has been synthesized and proved to be the active intermediate.