Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Heterocycles by Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Annulation of N-Methoxyamides with α-Chloroaldehydes.

α-Chloroaldehydes have been used as alkyne equivalents in rhodium-catalyzed syntheses of isoquinolones and 3,4-dihydroisoquinolins starting from N-methoxyamides. Compared to the existing technology, a complementary regioselectivity is achieved. Mechanistic investigations have been performed, and it was found that steric effects of both substrate and additive determine the product selectivity. Various other heterocycles, such as isoquinolines and lactones, can be prepared by transformation of the obtained products.