Rhodium-catalyzed C-H activation of hydrazines leads to isoquinolones with tunable aggregation-induced emission properties.

Using an internally oxidizing directing group (DG) strategy, we report a Rh(III)-catalyzed synthesis of isoquinolones via C-H activation/annulation of benzoylhydrazines and alkynes. Tunable double cascade cyclization of benzoylhydrazines with two equivalents of alkynes led to tetracyclic amides. These N-heterocycles demonstrated adjustable AIE properties.