Rhodium-catalyzed triazole-directed C-H bond functionalization of arenes with diazo compounds

Heterocyclic compounds bearing 1,2,3-triazole scaffolds have found wide application both in medicinal chemistry and materials science. In this paper, rhodium(iii)-catalyzed triazole-directed alkylation reactions of arenes using diazo compounds as the alkylating agents are described. A number of polysubstituted arenes were provided from easily available materials in good yields under mild conditions. The reactions proceed via triazole-directed ortho C-H bond activation and subsequent carbene insertion originating from diazo compounds.