Synthesis of aza-fused polycyclic quinolines via double C-H bond activation.

Simple but efficient: Aza-fused polycyclic quinolines were efficiently assembled through rhodium(III)-based direct double C-H activation of N-aryl azoles followed by cyclization with alkynes without heteroatom-assisted chelation. Copper(II) acetate, aside from acting as an oxidant, could also play an important role in the C-H activation process.