Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Regioselective C3–H Acylmethylation of [2,2′-Bipyridine]-6-carboxamides with Sulfoxonium Ylides

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed C–H acylmethylation of tridentate [2,2′-bipyridine]-6-carboxamides was developed. A variety of [2,2′-bipyridine]-6-carboxamides could be monoalkylated exclusively at the C3 position with sulfoxonium ylides as carbene precursors, giving 3-alkylated products in high yields. This protocol proceeds through a rollover cyclometalation pathway, has a broad range scope of substrates, and exhibits excellent functional group tolerance.