Rh-Catalyzed Regioselective ortho-C-H Carbenoid Insertion of Diarylazines.

The Rh-catalyzed ortho-C-H carbenoid insertion reaction of diarylazines with diazo compounds has been developed. A wide range of ortho-substituted diarylazines have been obtained in moderate to high yields with high regioselectivity at room temperature. The hydrolysis of the products could release ketones or aldehydes, giving access to aromatic 1,5-keto-diesters as valuable synthons for further chemical transformations.