Mild Acylation of C(sp3)–H and C(sp2)–H Bonds under Redox-Neutral Rh(III) Catalysis

Carbonyl groups are ubiquitous in functional molecules. Although C–H bond acylation has been well-studied via different mechanisms, transition-metal-catalyzed redox-neutral C(sp 3 )–H acylation under mild conditions is unprecedented. In this work, ketene is designed as a acylating reagent for both C(sp 3 )–H and C(sp 2 )–H bonds under Rh(III) catalysis, affording a diverse array of carbonyl compounds in high yields and high atom economy under mild conditions.