Access to Isoquinolines and Isoquinolin-3-ols via Rh(III)-Catalyzed Coupling/Cyclization Cascade Reaction of Arylimidates and Diazo Compounds

A Rh(III)-catalyzed coupling/cyclization cascade reaction is described, which involves arylimidates and diazo compounds and proceeds via intermolecular C-C bond formation and subsequent intramolecular C-N bond formation. Mechanistic investigation revealed that the reaction is a two-step process: the initial Rh(III)-catalyzed coupling/cyclization proceeds very fast and the following dehydration is rather slow. The reaction provides a direct approach to isoquinolines and isoquinolin-3-ols without any oxidants.