Double C-H activations of C(5)-H and Csp(2)-H of 2-substituted N-vinyl- or arylimidazoles were realized without heteroatom-directing assistance by rhodium(III) catalyst. A subsequent oxidative annulation reaction with alkynes efficiently produced aza-fused heterocycles with high molecular complexity in low to excellent yields.

The first Lewis base-catalysed chemoselective asymmetric N-allylic alkylation of enamides with Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates has been developed, which affords multifunctional products in moderate to high enantioselectivity (up to 92% ee).

A direct, asymmetric allylic alkylation of indenes with Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) carbonates has been developed based on a Lewis base assisted Brønsted base catalysis strategy. This process is promoted by a modified cinchona alkaloid hydroquinidine (anthraquinone-1,4-diyl) diether

The first allylic alkylation of indene derivatives with Morita—Baylis—Hillman carbonates (I) is catalyzed by (DHQD)2‐AQN to give the desired products with high enantioselectivities but only moderate yields.

The first chemoselective asymmetric N‐allylic alkylation of enamides (I) and (IV) with Morita—Baylis—Hillman carbonates (II) by the metal‐free catalysis of modified cinchona alkaloids is described.