Harnessing the Magic Methyl Effect: A Rhodium-Catalyzed Switchable Chemoselective Synthesis of Isocoumarins and Isoquinolines

Abstract

We report herein a Rh(III)-catalyzed methyl group controlled switchable synthesis of isocoumarin and isoquinoline. The protocol tolerates a wide range of functionality. Various mechanistic studies, including deuterium labeling, KIE, and competition experiments, have been carried out. The obtained isocoumarin molecules have been subjected to numerous synthetic derivatizations affording valuable adducts.