Rhodium(i)-catalyzed cascade C(sp)-H bond alkylation - amidation of anilines: phosphorus as traceless directing group.

We introduce a versatile Rh(i)-catalyzed cascade reaction, combining C(sp)-H bond functionalization and amidation between -arylphosphanamines and acrylates. This innovative approach enables the rapid synthesis of dihydroquinolinone scaffolds, a common heterocycle found in various pharmaceuticals. Notably, the presence of the phosphorus atom facilitates the aniline -C(sp)-H bond activation prior to N-P bond hydrolysis, streamlining one-pot intramolecular amidation. Moreover, we demonstrate the applicability of this reaction by synthesizing an antipsychotic drug. Detailed mechanistic investigations revealed the involvement of a Rh-H intermediate, with substrate inhibition through catalyst saturation.