Mechanism of the Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Arylation of Imines via C–H Bond Functionalization: Inhibition by Substrate

Rh­(III)-catalyzed arylation of imines provides a new
method for
C–C bond formation while simultaneously introducing an α-branched
amine as a functional group. This detailed mechanistic study provides
insights for the rational future development of this new reaction.
Relevant intermediate Rh­(III) complexes have been isolated and characterized,
and their reactivities in stoichiometric reactions with relevant substrates
have been monitored. The reaction was found to be first order in the
catalyst resting state and inverse first order in the C–H activation
substrate.