Redox-Neutral Annulation of Alkynylcyclopropanes with N-Aryloxyamides via Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Sequential C-H/C-C Activation.

Alkynylcyclopropanes have been used for the first time as coupling partners in transition-metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization. Specifically, a Cp*RhIII-catalyzed regioselective annulation of alkynylcyclopropanes with N-aryloxyamides via redox-neutral C-H/C-C activation has been developed, which affords highly functionalized 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans bearing an ( E)-exocyclic carbon-carbon double bond and a tetra-substituted carbon center in moderate to good yields with a broad substrate scope.