Ru(II)-Catalyzed C–H/O–H Annulation of Benzoic Acids with Trifluoromethyl-Imidoyl Sulfoxonium Ylides: Rapid Synthesis of Dihydroisocoumarin Scaffolds

A novel ruthenium-catalyzed C-H activation/cyclization reaction of benzoic acid with trifluoromethyl-imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides has been developed for the first time, enabling the rapid synthesis of various trifluoromethyl-functionalized 3,3-disubstituted isocoumarin derivatives in ten minutes with moderate to good yields. This practical methodology with mild reaction conditions exhibits broad scope of substrates, good regioselectivity and high efficiency.