Catalytic and Base‐free Suzuki‐type α‐Arylation of Cyclic 1,3‐Dicarbonyls via a Cyclic Iodonium Ylide Strategy

To date, it remains challenging to achieve a general and catalytic α‐arylation of cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyls, particularly ubiquitous heteroaromatic ones. In most cases, the preparation of their medically significant arylated derivatives requires multistep synthetic sequences. Herein, we introduce a new, convenient strategy involving the conversion of cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyls to cyclic iodonium ylides (CIYs), followed by rhodium‐catalyzed α‐arylation with arylboronic reagents via carbene coupling. This approach is mild, operationally simple, base‐free, biocompatible, and exhibits broad substrate scope (>100 examples), especially with respect to various heteroaromatic 1,3‐dicarbonyls and ortho‐substituted or base‐sensitive arylboronic acids. Importantly, owing to the excellent compatibility with various arylboronic acids or boronate esters (ArBpin, ArBneop, or ArBF3K), this method allows the late‐stage installation of heterocyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyl motifs in highly complex settings. The utility of this transformation is further demonstrated through significantly simplifying the synthesis of several bioactive molecules and natural products. A general and catalytic α‐arylation of cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyls have been developed, providing expedient access toward a wide range of high‐value 2‐aryl (hetero)cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyls. The key to success is through a cyclic iodonium ylide strategy. Our approach is base‐free and exhibits broad substrate scope (>100 examples). Importantly, our approach allows late‐stage modification and significantly simplifying previous synthesis.