Regioselective ortho C-H insertion of N -nitrosoanilines with naphthoquinone carbenes.

A Rh(III)-catalyzed ortho C-H migratory insertion of N -nitrosoanilines with naphthoquinone carbenes has been developed. The products were obtained in good yields under mild reaction conditions. Diverse elaborations of the products were explored. This method is valuable for the synthesis of biarylamines and their derivatives.