Sulfoxonium ylides act as an efficient carbene precursor in rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-H acylmethlyation of a variety of arenes assisted by different chelating groups, and both aryl- and alkyl-substituted β-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides are applicable. The system proceeded under redox-neutral conditions with a broad scope, high efficiency, and functional group tolerance.

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.

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.