Ru(II)-Catalyzed spirocyclization of aryl N-sulfonyl ketimines with aryl isocyanates through an aromatic C-H bond activation

A novel one-pot strategy has been developed for the construction of spiro-isoindolinone-benzosultams through a Ru(ii)-catalyzed sequential C-C and C-N bond formation. This method is highly atom-economical and compatible with a wide range of substituents. This is the first report on the spirocyclization of 3-aryl N-sulfonyl ketimines with aryl isocyanates to produce highly rigid and pharmaceutically relevant spirocycles through a C-H bond activation.