C–H Activation under the Guise of Diels–Alder Reaction: Annulation toward the Synthesis of Benzo[e]isoindole-1,3-diones

A new paradigm in the coupling of external alkenes with internal electron-deficient alkenes has been investigated in which an unprecedented annulation of vinylarenes on maleimides takes place. The reaction is carried out via a tandem in situ activation of both olefinic and aromatic C–H bonds of styrenes driving the reaction in a pseudo-Diels–Alder mode.