Neutral Aqueous, Visible-Light-Accelerated Rh(III)-Catalyzed C–H Bond Activation/Cyclization Applicable to Peptide Modification

Organic Letters 2026

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Authors: Lixue Su, Yue Zhang, Wei Meng, Xiubin Bu, Y CHEN, Ming Yuan Yang, Hua Tian, Xiaomin Yang, Zhen Zhao
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6c01745
Cited by: 1
References: 59

Abstract

Conventional Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation/cyclization of arenes with iodonium ylides typically requires organic solvents, increased temperatures, and a non-neutral reaction medium, which limits their compatibility with biologically relevant substrates. Herein, we disclose a visible-light-enabled Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation/cyclization of amines with 1,3-diketones in neutral aqueous media, delivering tetrahydrocarbazolones, indoles, and indolinones with high selectivity. The transformation operates under ambient conditions using sunlight, eliminates the need for strong bases or organic solvents, and permits rapid and solid Rh(III) catalyst recycling. Importantly, the method tolerates peptide substrates and holds promise for late-stage functionalization under genuinely biocompatible conditions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Catalytic C–H Functionalization Methods Radical Photochemical Reactions Cyclopropane Reaction Mechanisms

Publication details

Journal / source
Organic Letters
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
28
Issue
23
Pages
7285–7291
Publication date
29 May 2026
Language
EN