An electron-deficient CpE-rhodium(III) complex catalyzes the tandem [2+2+2] annulation–lactamization of acetanilides with two alkynoates via cleavage of two adjacent C−H bonds to give densely substituted benzo[
cd]indolones. Surpri
singly, the reactions of
meta-methoxy-substituted acetanilides with two alkynoates also provided benzo[
cd]indolones via unprecedented cleavage of adjacent C−H and C−O bonds. In contrast, 3,5-dimethoxyacetanilides reacted with two alkynoates to give dearomatized spiro compounds. More information can be found in the Communication by Yu Shibata, Ken Tanaka et al. on
page 2260 in Issue 16, 2016 (DOI:
sia.201600943" rel="references:http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/asia.201600943">10.1002/asia.201600943).