Rhodium-catalyzed enone carbonyl directed C–H activation for the synthesis of indanones containing all-carbon quaternary centers

Rh(III)-Catalyzed enone carbonyl directed annulative coupling of α-aroyl ketene dithioacetals and diazo compounds has been realized via aryl and olefinic C–H bond activation. This transformation offers highly functionalized indanone derivatives bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter at the β-position. The protocol exhibits high efficiency, broad substrate scope, and high compatibility with functional groups.