Rh(III)-catalyzed atroposelective C-H alkynylation of 1-aryl isoquinolines with hypervalent iodine-alkyne reagents.

An efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H alkynylation of isoquinolines is disclosed. The C-H alkynylation of 1-aryl isoquinolines with hypervalent iodine-alkyne reagents proceeded in DMA at room temperature in the presence of 2.5 mol% chiral SCpRh(III) complex along with 20 mol% AgSbF6, providing axially chiral alkynylated 1-aryl isoquinolines in excellent yields (up to 93%) and enantioselectivity (up to 95% ee). The diverse transformations of the product further enhance the potential utility of this reaction.