Modular Access to Azepines by Directed Carbonylative C-C Bond Activation of Aminocyclopropanes.

A modular Rh-catalyzed entry to azepines is outlined. Under a CO atmosphere, protecting group directed C-C bond activation of aminocyclopropanes provides rhodacyclopentanones. These intermediates are effective for intramolecular C-H metalation of either an N-aryl or N-vinyl unit en route to azepine ring systems. Thus, byproduct-free heterocyclizations are enabled by sequential C-C activation and C-H functionalization steps.