Ruthenium-Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation by Cleavage of CH/NH Bonds

Bond activation in action: Unprecedented ruthenium-catalyzed oxidative annulations of alkynes through cleavage of CH bonds set the stage for an efficient 1(2H)-isoquinolone synthesis with ample scope (see scheme; tAm=tert-amyl). Mechanistic studies provided strong evidence for a rate-limiting CH bond metalation through carboxylate assistance.

1. Prof. Dr. Lutz Ackermann, Angew. Chem. Int Ed. 2011, 
DOI: 10.1002/anie.201101943