Catalytic and Base‐free Suzuki‐type α‐Arylation of Cyclic 1,3‐Dicarbonyls via a Cyclic Iodonium Ylide Strategy

Abstract

To date, it remains challenging to achieve a general and catalytic α‐arylation of cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyls, particularly ubiquitous heteroaromatic ones. In most cases, the preparation of their medically significant arylated derivatives requires multistep synthetic sequences. Herein, we introduce a new, convenient strategy involving the conversion of cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyls to cyclic iodonium ylides (CIYs), followed by rhodium‐catalyzed α‐arylation with arylboronic reagents via carbene coupling. This approach is mild, operationally simple, base‐free, biocompatible, and exhibits broad substrate scope (> 100 examples), especially with respect to various heteroaromatic 1,3‐dicarbonyls and ortho‐substituted or base‐sensitive arylboronic acids. Importantly, owing to the excellent compatibility with various arylboronic acids or boronate esters (ArBpin, ArBneop, or ArBF3K), this method allows the late‐stage installation of heterocyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyl motifs in highly complex settings. The utility of this transformation is further demonstrated through significantly simplifying the synthesis of several bioactive molecules and natural products.