Rhodium(III)-catalyzed ring-opening of strained olefins through C–H activation of O-acetyl ketoximes: an efficient synthesis of trans-functionalized cyclopentenes and spiro[2.4]heptenes

An efficient strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes and spiro[2.4]heptenes from strained olefins via C–H activation of aryl ketone O-acetyl ketoximes using [RhCl₂Cp^∗]₂ catalyst is described. The results revealed that a wide range of readily accessible aryl and heteroaryl ketoximes are compatible in this method for the ring opening of bicyclic and spirotricyclic olefins.