The cascade oxidative annulation reactions of aryl imidazoles with two molecules of alkynes via multiple C–H activation proceed efficiently in the presence of [Cp*RhCl2]2 and Cu(OAc)2·H2O to give substituted benzo[ij]imidazo[2,1,5-de]quinolizine-based polyheteroaromatic compounds. This method is compatible with various functional groups, which are very useful for further synthetic transformations.
![Graphical abstract: Synthesis of substituted benzo[ij]imidazo[2,1,5-de]quinolizine by rhodium(iii)-catalyzed multiple C–H activation and annulations](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/C5OB02515J.jpg)