Directing-Group-Controlled Ring-Opening Addition and Hydroarylation of Oxa/azabenzonorbornadienes with Arenes via C-H Activation.

An efficient method for the directing group controlled rhodium-catalyzed addition reaction of oxa/azabicylic alkenes with aromatic ketones and benzoic acids has been developed. The ketones and benzoic acids afforded different addition products when reacted with oxa/azabicyclic alkenes. The reaction between ketones and azabenzonorbornadienes furnished the ring-opening addition products. The reaction between benzoic acids and aza/oxabicyclic alkenes proceeded in the absence of silver salt, giving the 1:2 hydroarylation products in yields up to 96%.