Rh( iii )-catalyzed C–H activation–desymmetrization of diazabicycles with arenes: facile synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes

A Rh(iii)-catalyzed C-H activation-desymmetrization of diazabicycles with arenes as an expedient approach to functionalized cyclopentenes is reported. This protocol provides a novel and efficient strategy for the desymmetrization of diazabicycles, featuring simple starting materials, mild reaction conditions, high efficiency and broad substrate scope. Control experiments and a kinetic isotope effect study were conducted, and a plausible mechanism was proposed.