Three-Component Catalytic Carboxygenation of Activated Alkenes Enabled by Bimetallic Rh(III)/Cu(II) Catalysis

A novel cascade Cp*Rh­(III)-catalyzed C–H alkylation/Cu­(II)-promoted α-oxygenation which enabled a three-component carboxygenation of activated alkene is reported. Mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance were observed. The synthetic utility of the protocol was showcased by the facile transformations of the product to a variety of structurally diverse molecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies were conducted.