2-Butyne Biscarbonate as a “Bridge” in Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed [4 + 2] Cyclization and Diels–Alder Reaction

Described herein is the development of an unprecedented approach to construct multiple heterocycles with high selectivity through Rh(III)-catalyzed two- or three-component cyclization reaction from simple and readily available starting materials: N-methoxybenzamides, 2-butyne biscarbonate, and maleimides. This methodology provides an efficient strategy for the synthesis of diverse and complicated heterocycles in a one-pot manner and displays excellent features of extremely mild reaction conditions, easy operation, excellent regioselectivity, and good functional group compatibility.