Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation by Cleavage of CH/NH Bonds

Bond activation in action : Unprecedented ruthenium‐catalyzed oxidative annulations of alkynes through cleavage of CH bonds set the stage for an efficient 1(2 H )‐isoquinolone synthesis with ample scope (see scheme; t Am= tert ‐amyl). Mechanistic studies provided strong evidence for a rate‐limiting CH bond metalation through carboxylate assistance.