Rh-Catalyzed decarbonylative coupling with alkynes via C-C activation of isatins.

Herein we report a [5 + 2 - 1] transformation though catalytic decarbonylative coupling between isatins and alkynes, which provides a unique way to synthesize 2-quinolinone derivatives. A broad range of alkynes can be coupled efficiently with high regioselectivity. This reaction is proposed to go through C-C activation of isatins, followed by decarbonylation and alkyne insertion. Directing group (DG) plays a critical role in this transformation. Assisted by the DG, the C-C cleavage of isatins occurs at room temperature.