Synthesis of Isoquinolines via Rh(III)-Catalyzed C–H Activation Using Hydrazone as a New Oxidizing Directing Group

An efficient and mechanistically interesting method for the synthesis of highly substituted isoquinolines by a Rh(III)-catalyzed hydrazone directed <i>ortho</i> C–H bond activation and annulation without an external oxidant is described. This reaction is accomplished via a C–C and C–N bond formation along with N–N bond cleavage