The first example of oxidant-free cobalt-catalyzed synthesis of five-membered spirocycles is reported from benzimidates and maleimides utilizing nitrobenzene as promoter. In contrast to previously known cobalt-catalyzed oxidative C-H functionalization reactions, this transformation occurs efficiently in the absence of oxidant and is accompanied by liberation of hydrogen. The spiro-lactams were readily achieved by the hydrolysis of as-prepared spirocyclic compounds. The Cp*Rh(III) catalyst shows poor reactivity.

An efficient and expeditious protocol for the synthesis of diverse difunctionalized indenones through rhodium-catalyzed C-H activation and multistep cascade reaction of benzimidates and alkenes has been developed. The transformation involves the cleavage and formation of multiple bonds in one pot under mild reaction conditions, and Mn(OAc) plays an important role in the reaction.

A mild and efficient protocol for the synthesis of 2,2'-difunctional biaryls from readily available benzamides and oximes by Co(OAc)·4HO catalysis has been developed. The catalytic cycle that includes aerobic oxidation of Co(I) to Co(III) is successfully achieved for the first time through dual-chelation-assisted C-H/C-H coupling with the assistance of catalytic Mn(acac). The catalytic system exhibits powerful reactivity and tolerates a large number of sensitive functional groups.

A new type of porous kaolin/NaY composite (KL-NY) with a large specific surface area and large pore sizes was synthesized through a one-step crystallization process, and rare earth-modified KL-NY-supported Pd-Pt catalysts were studied for benzene combustion. The results indicated that the pore volume and specific surface area of KL-NY after calcination and crystallization were 0.298 cm(3)/g and 365 m(2)/g, respectively, exhibiting appropriate pore structure and good thermal stability. Catalysts with rare earth metals greatly enhanced the activity of Pd/KL-NY, and the addition of Pt and Ce into the Pd catalyst improved the catalytic activity as well as the stability. The catalyst with an optimal Ce content and Pt/Pd molar ratio (0.2%Pd-Pt (6:1)/6%Ce/KL-NY) demonstrated the best activity for the complete oxidation of benzene at 230 °C, and the catalyst above maintained the 100% benzene conversion for 960 h.

A rhodium-catalyzed redox-neutral reaction of arylhydrazines with sulfoxonium ylides to construct 2-arylindole derivatives in one pot has been developed. The transformation proceeds efficiently under mild conditions and involves tandem C–H activation and an intramolecular dehydration annulation sequence, providing a straightforward pathway to access pharmaceutically and biologically valuable 1-aminoindole derivatives.