Asymmetric Synthesis of Spiropyrazolones by Rhodium‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Functionalization/Annulation Reactions

Rhodium‐catalyzed C(sp²)−H functionalization reactions of 4‐aryl‐5‐pyrazolones followed by [3+2] annulation reactions with alkynes provide rapid access to highly enantioenriched five‐membered‐ring 4‐spiro‐5‐pyrazolones. The use of a chiral SCpRh catalyst enabled the synthesis of a large range of spiropyrazolones with all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic centers in up to 99 % yield and 98 % ee from readily available substrates.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Reaction of Silacyclobutanes with Unactivated Alkynes to Afford Silacyclohexenes

A Rh‐catalyzed reaction of silacyclobutanes (SCBs) with unactivated alkynes has been developed to form silacyclohexenes with high chemoselectivity. Good enantioselectivity at the stereogenic silicon center was achieved using a chiral phosphoramidite ligand. The resulting silacyclohexenes are useful scaffolds for synthesizing structurally attractive silacyclic compounds.