(E)-3-Arylidene-4-diazopyrrolidine-2,5-diones: Preparation and Use in RhII-Catalyzed X–H Insertion Reactions towards Novel, Medicinally Important Michael Acceptors

The use of readily available 1-aryl-3-arylidenepyrrolidine-2,5-diones in high yielding direct diazo-transfer reactions and subsequent involvement of the resulting diazo compounds in RhII-catalyzed O–H, S–H, and N–H insertion reactions delivered 4-substituted 1-aryl-3-arylidenepyrrolidine-2,5-diones of defined regiochemistry and geometrical configuration. These products are intended to be studied as Michael acceptors capable of inhibiting thioredoxin reductase, a promising cancer target.