Rh(III)-Catalyzed Imidoyl C-H Bond Activation/[4 + 2] Annulation of N-Benzimidazole Imines with Iodonium Ylides.

Abstract

A general protocol for the synthesis of polycyclic benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines via Rh(III)-catalyzed imidoyl C-H bond activation of N-benzimidazole imines with iodonium ylides has been disclosed. This method features mild conditions, a broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group tolerance. Moreover, the reaction could be easily scaled up and was amendable with the in situ generated iodonium ylides, which demonstrated the practicality of this method.