Regioselective and Chemodivergent Synthesis of Azulenolactones and Azulenolactams from Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Reactions of Azulenecarboxamides with Sulfoxonium Ylides

A regioselective and chemodivergent synthetic approach for azulenolactones and azulenolactams as a new scaffold was demonstrated through Rh(III)‐catalyzed reaction of N‐methoxyazulene‐1‐carboxamides with sulfoxonium ylides. Sulfoxonium ylides that act as a precursor of secondary carbene was described, leading to the selective formation of azulenolactones and azulenolactams bearing two substituents on a newly introduced double bond. This method demonstrated functionalization of less reactive 2‐position of azulene to overcome the natural reactivity.