Delta-sultone formation through Rh-catalyzed C-H insertion

Rhodium-catalyzed reactions of sulfonate ester derivatives are biased strongly toward 1,6-insertion and thus offer a general method for assembling delta-sultones. Two protocols for staging this cyclization reaction are described, which capitalize on the unique ability of either diazo or iodonium ylide intermediates to form Rh-carbene species. The value of these heterocycles for fine chemicals synthesis is demonstrated in both reductive and oxidative reactions that make possible excision of the -SO3- moiety.