Synthesis of Substituted 1‐Hydroxy‐2‐Naphthaldehydes by Rhodium‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Activation and Vinylene Transfer of Enaminones with Vinylene Carbonate

The rhodium(III)‐catalyzed C−H bond activation and vinylene transfer of enaminones with vinylene carbonate have been proposed for the synthesis of substituted 1‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthaldehydes in 49–84% yields. Several preliminary mechanistic studies and hydroxyl‐directed derivatization reactions of 1‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthaldehydes were also performed. This method offers an alternative approach for the synthesis of 1‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthaldehydes.