Ru(II)/Ru(IV)-catalyzed C(sp²)–H allylation with alkene difunctionalization to access isochroman-1-imines

Merging C(sp²)–H allylation and alkene difunctionalization events to access isochroman-1-imines, using N-aroyl aminoesters, MBH acetates, and NBS, under Ru(II)/Ru(IV) catalysis has been developed. Using ¹H NMR, ESI-MS, HRMS, control reactions, deuterium labeling experiments, and DFT analysis, the allyl transfer (redox) process was proven to involve in C–H allylation rather than olefin insertion. Scale-up and synthetic transformations demonstrated the sustainability of this method.