Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C–C Bond Formation of Quinoline N-Oxides at the C-8 Position under Mild Conditions

The Rh(III)-catalyzed C-8 selective direct alkylation and alkynylation of quinoline N-oxides has been developed. The reactions proceeded highly efficiently at room temperature over a broad range of substrates with excellent regioselectivity and functional group tolerance. This development demonstrates the synthetic utility of the N-oxide directing group as a stepping stone for remote C-H functionalization of quinolines.