Multi-task Rhodium-Catalyzed Remote C(sp3)–H Functionalization Reactions of Acyclic Dienes to Yield Benzene-fused Heterocycles

Abstract

Remote C(sp³)–H bond functionalization reactions are environmentally benign methods for not only acyclic molecules but also cyclic molecules. However, previous reports' products have been limited to aliphatic five-membered ring structures. Herein, we developed an unpresidential multitasking rhodium-catalyzed reaction that can synthesize benzene-fused heterocyclic compounds, 2,3-disubstituted dihydrobenzofurans, through a remote C(sp³)–H bond functionalization reactions, chain-walking/cycloisomerization/hydroboration reaction. This catalytic system promotes twice-occurring chain-walking/functionalization set in one pot, thus allowing the synthesis of dihydrobenzofurans with various side chain lengths at the 2- and 3-positions.