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 isocoumarins and isoquinolines. The protocol tolerates a wide range of functional groups. 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.