Application of Sulfoxonium Ylides or Iodonium Ylides in Rhodium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Phenanthrenes

Abstract

The transmetalation triggered rhodium‐catalyzed C‒H bond activation and tandem annulation of 2‐biphenylboronic acids with sulfoxonium ylides or iodonium ylides has been developed. Various products of phenanthrenes were constructed under redox‐neutral conditions in 34−86% yields. Several mechanism exploration experiments and derivatization reactions were conducted in sequence to gain a deeper understanding of the process and the potential of this transformation. It offers an alternative approach for the synthesis of phenanthrene derivatives.