Rhodium(III)-catalyzed synthesis of cinnolinium salts from azobenzenes and alkynes: application to the synthesis of indoles and cinnolines

Abstract

Versatile salts: A new rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of cinnolinium salts from various azobenzenes and alkynes under air is described. These salts readily transform into three important classes of products, including indoles, indoloindoles, and cinnolines (see scheme).