Rh-Catalyzed Decarbonylative Coupling with Alkynes via C–C Activation of Isatins

Herein we report a [5 + 2 – 1] transformation though catalytic decarbonylative coupling between isatins and alkynes, which provides a unique way to synthesize 2-quinolinone derivatives. A broad range of alkynes can be coupled efficiently with high regioselectivity. This reaction is proposed to go through C–C activation of isatins, followed by decarbonylation and alkyne insertion. Directing group (DG) plays a critical role in this transformation. Assisted by the DG, the C–C cleavage of isatins occurs at room temperature.