Directing groups that can act as internal oxidants have recently been shown to be beneficial in metal-catalyzed heterocycle syntheses that undergo C-H functionalization. Pursuant to the rhodium(III)-catalyzed redox-neutral isoquinolone synthesis that we recently reported, we present in this article the development of a more reactive internal oxidant/directing group that can promote the formation of a wide variety of isoquinolones at room temperature while employing low catalyst loadings (0.5 mol %). In contrast to previously reported oxidative rhodium(III)-catalyzed heterocycle syntheses, the new conditions allow for the first time the use of terminal alkynes. Also, it is shown that the use of alkenes, including ethylene, instead of alkynes leads to the room temperature formation of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolones. Mechanistic investigations of this new system point to a change in the turnover limiting step of the catalytic cycle relative to the previously reported conditions. Concerted metalation-deprotonation (CMD) is now proposed to be the turnover limiting step. In addition, DFT calculations conducted on this system agree with a stepwise C-N bond reductive elimination/N-O bond oxidative addition mechanism to afford the desired heterocycle. Concepts highlighted by the calculations were found to be consistent with experimental results.

An external-oxidant-free process to access the isoquinolone motif via cross-coupling/cyclization of benzhydroxamic acid with alkynes is described. The reaction features a regioselective cleavage of a C-H bond on the benzhydroxamic acid coupling partner as well as a regioselective alkyne insertion. Mechanistic studies point out the important involvement of a N-O bond as a tool for C-N bond formation and catalyst turnover.

Palladium-catalyzed direct arylation reactions are described with a broad range of azine and azole N-oxides. In addition to aspects of functional group compatibility, issues of regioselectivity have been explored when nonsymmetrical azine N-oxides are used. In these cases, both the choice of ligand and the nature of the azine substituents play important roles in determining the regioisomeric distribution. When azole N-oxides are employed, preferential reaction is observed for arylation at C2 which occurs under very mild conditions. Subsequent reactions are observed to occur at C5 followed by arylation at C4. The potential utility of this methodology is illustrated by its use in the synthesis of a potent sodium channel inhibitor 1 and a Tie2 Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor 2.

A general rhodium-catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction between internal alkynes and aryl aldimines is described. This process affords 3,4-disubstituted isoquinolines in good yield and high regioselectivity. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the C-N bond formation arises from the reductive elimination of a rhodium(III) species.

A full overview of the decarboxylative cross-coupling reaction between heteroaromatic carboxylic acids and aryl halides is described. This transformation employs palladium catalysts with short reaction times providing facile synthesis of aryl-substituted heteroaromatics. The effect of each reaction parameter including solvent, base, and additive employed as well as the full substrate scope of this transformation are reported. Mechanistic evidence is also disclosed that sheds light on possible reaction pathways.