Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Directed C–H Dienylation of Anilides with Allenes Leads to Highly Conjugated Systems

Allenes are unique coupling partners in transition-metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization leading to a variety of products via alkenylation, allenylation, allylation, and annulation reactions. The outcome is governed by both the reactivity of the allene and the formation and stability of the organometallic intermediate. An efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed, weakly coordinating group-directed dienylation of electronically unbiased allenes is developed using an N-acyl amino acid as a ligand. Further elaboration of the dienylated products to construct polycyclic compounds is also described.