Synthesis of imidazo and benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolines by rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular double C-H bond activation.

The rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular direct arylation of imidazole and benzimidazole derivatives via double C-H bond activation is described. This approach provides new access to a wide range of imidazo and benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives in moderate to high yields. This reaction provides an alternative method to the known Pd-catalyzed intramolecular oxidative cross-coupling reactions.