Rhodium Complex-Catalyzed Reaction of Isonitriles with Carbonyl Compounds:  Catalytic Synthesis of Pyrroles

Low-valent rhodium complexes are efficient catalysts for the activation of α-C−H bond of isonitriles. Addition of isonitriles to carbonyl compounds proceeds under mild and neutral conditions to give the corresponding α,β-unsaturated formamides. Catalytic synthesis of pyrroles can be performed by cyclocondensation of isonitriles with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.