Free-amine-directed Ru(II)-catalyzed peri-selective C-H activation and annulation via ring-strain release

Abstract

A Ru(II)-catalyzed peri-selective C-H activation/annulation of α-naphthylamines with alkylidene β-lactones and β-lactams provides rapid access to diverse tricyclic naphtho-fused medium-sized lactams. Here, regioselectivity is dictated by a free amine directing group, while controlled ring strain release enables the formation of structurally diverse seven-membered frameworks in high yields.