Direct functionalization of benzylic and non-benzylic C(sp3)–H bonds via keteniminium ion initiated cascade [1,5]-hydrogen transfer/cyclization

Abstract

Incredibly electrophilic keteniminium ions generated in situ were employed as powerful intermediates for cascade [1,5]-hydride transfer/cyclization, via which inert benzylic and non-benzylic C(sp³)–H bonds without a directing group were directly functionalized to furnish complex polycycles in a single operation.