Direct and efficient synthesis of 1-naphthols has been realized via Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation of sulfoxonium ylides and subsequent annulation with alkynes, where the sulfoxonium ylide functioned as a new traceless bifunctional directing group. This reaction occurred under redox-neutral conditions with a broad substrate scope.

Cooperative cobalt- and copper-catalyzed C-H activation of imidate esters and oxidative coupling with anthranils allowed efficient synthesis of 1H-indazoles in the absence of metal oxidants. The anthranil acts as a convenient aminating reagent as well as an organic oxidant in this transformation. The copper catalyst likely functions at the stage of N-N formation.

Chemodivergent and redox-neutral annulations between N-methoxybenzamides and sulfoxonium ylides have been realized via Rh(iii)-catalyzed C-H activation. The sulfoxonium ylide acts as a carbene precursor, and coupling occurs under acid-controlled conditions, where Zn(OTf) and PivOH promote chemodivergent cyclizations.