Abstract
An efficient and convenient method for the synthesis of highly substituted polycyclic pyridinium salts from the reaction of various 2-aryl-pyridines and 2-aryl-sp(2) -nitrogen-atom-containing heterocycles with alkynes through rhodium(III)-catalyzed C?H activation and annulation under an O2 atmosphere is described. A possible mechanism that involves the chelation-assisted C?H activation of the 2-aryl-pyridine substrate, insertion of the alkyne, and reductive elimination is proposed. This mechanism was supported by the isolation of a five-membered rhodacycle (I'). In addition, kinetic isotope studies were performed to understand the intimate reaction mechanism.