An efficient combination between the Passerini three-component reaction and aldol condensation has been developed for the synthesis of bicyclic isocoumarins with different substituted patterns via solvent-dependent domino pathways. These two operationally friendly methods simultaneously install C–O and C–C bonds in a one-pot manner, allowing the utilization of low-cost and readily accessible 2-formylbenzoic acid, isocyanides, and arylglyoxals. Mechanisms of formation of different substituted isocoumarin derivatives are also proposed.

New oxidative dehydrogenative couplings of pyrazol-5-amines for the selective synthesis of azopyrrole derivatives have been described. The former reaction simultaneously installs C–I and N–N bonds through iodination and oxidation, whereas the latter involved a copper-catalyzed oxidative coupling process. The resulting iodo-substituted azopyrroles were employed by treatment with various terminal alkynes through Sonogashira cross-coupling leading to new azo compounds.

A simple C–H/N–H bond functionalization of N-aryl amidines with cyclic 2-diazo-1,3-diketones for the synthesis of 1-aminoisoquinolines has been accomplished by employing [Cp*RhCl2]2/CsOPiv as the catalyst system. This methodology proceeds by a cascade C–H activation/intramolecular cyclization under mild reaction conditions, features a broad substrate scope, and involves the formation of two new σ bonds (C–C and C–N) in a single operation for the construction of novel 1-aminoisoquinoline skeletons in good to excellent yields.

A novel and mild Rh(iii)-catalyzed cascade C–H activation/intramolecular condensation of 1-aryl-1H-pyrazol-5-amines with cyclic 2-diazo-1,3-diketones for the synthesis of various important benzo[f]pyrazolo[1,5-a][1,3]diazepines has been developed.

Access topyrazolo [3,4-b]pyridines through a rhodium-catalysed intermolecular cyclization of pyrazol-5-amine and cyclic 1,3-diketone-2diazo compounds, has been developed. A methyl carbon of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) performed as a carbon-hydrogen source for the construction of the pyridine ring. Various pyrazolo [3,4b]pyridine derivatives were obtained under mild conditions using air as the terminal oxidant.