Three-Component Reaction of Aryl Diazoacetates, Alcohols, and Aldehydes (or Imines): Evidence of Alcoholic Oxonium Ylide Intermediates

The Rh(II)-catalyzed three-component reaction of aryl diazoacetates, alcohols and aldehydes was explored, which provided evidence of alcoholic oxonium ylide formation for O-H insertion. A new C-C bond formation reaction where alcoholic oxonium ylides were trapped by electron-deficient aryl aldehydes (or imines) was realized.