Rh(III)-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral Cascade Annulation of Benzamides withp-Quinone Methides

Herein, we demonstrate a [RhCp*Cl-2](2)catalyzed synthesis of isoindolo[2,1-b]isoquinolin-5(7H)-one derivatives fromN-(pivaloyloxy)benzamides andp-quinone methides under redox neutral conditions.p-Quinone methide derivatives were engaged for the first time as precursors in C-H activation reactions and the cascade sequence consists of Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation, alkyne insertion followed by an intramolecular 1,6-conjugate addition. This novel tandem reaction strategy offers a rapid and straightforward access to complex fused isoquinolinone derivatives in an efficient manner.