The
synthesis of indanone derivatives by the Rh(III)-catalyzed
reaction of α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides with activated alkenes
is reported. The reaction shows a high tolerance for functional groups
and furnishes a variety of substituted indanone derivatives via a
formal [4 + 1] cycloaddition. Highly stable sulfoxonium ylides were
used as substrates in this C–H functionalization, and their
bifunctional character could be effectively exploited using Rh(III)
catalysis via sequential double C–C bond formation. Based on
mechanistic studies including deuterium-labeling experiments, the
reaction is proposed to proceed as follows: Rh(III)-catalyzed C–H
oxidative alkenylation via β-hydride elimination, readdition
of H–Rh species, a 1,2-carbon shift with the elimination of
DMSO, and protonation.