Rh(III)-catalyzed regioselective functionalization of C-H bonds of naphthylcarbamates for oxidative annulation with alkynes.

A Rh(III)-catalyzed highly efficient and regioselective functionalization of diverse C-H bonds of naphthylcarbamates for oxidative annulation with alkynes has been developed. The annulation with a neutral rhodium catalyst system proceeds through peri C-H bond functionalization of arylcarbamates to give benzoquinoline derivatives, while with a cationic rhodium catalyst system it proceeds through ortho C-H functionalization of arylcarbamates to furnish benzoindole derivatives.