Ru(II)-catalyzed oxidative coupling of sulfoxonium ylides with amines: efficient synthesis of α-ketoamides and indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines.

The first use of sulfoxonium ylides for the synthesis of α-ketoamides is described via a Ru(II)-catalyzed amidation reaction with amines. The same Ru(II)-catalyzed reaction of sulfoxonium ylides with 2-phenylindoles provided indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines instead of α-ketoamides.