A copper-catalyzed oxidative dehydrogenative coupling of carboxylic acids with H-phosphonates is developed. This transformation exhibits a wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance, providing a straightforward and highly efficient access to acyl phosphate esters. A possible mechanism for the reaction is proposed.

Oxidative radical addition/cyclization cascade of o-cyanoarylacrylamides with α-keto acids as well as aldehydes is reported. This transformation exhibits a wide substrate scope and significant functional group tolerance and provides a convenient and highly efficient access to carbonyl-containing quinoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones. A possible mechanism for the transformation is proposed.

A novel and facile Cu-catalyzed addition/cyclization cascade of o-cyanoarylacrylamide was developed. The process exhibits significant functional group tolerance, and provides an efficient and straightforward pathway for the synthesis of various phosphonylated quinoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones.

A novel arylnitration of alkenes by nitration and C–H functionalization cascade process has been developed. This methodology provides an efficient way to construct a variety of nitro-containing oxindoles and dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones. In addition, the process exhibits significant functional group tolerance. Moreover, the use of inexpensive and readily available starting materials makes this practical and atom-economical approach particularly attractive.

A novel and facile Cu-catalyzed addition/cyclization cascade of o-cyanoarylacrylamide was developed. The process exhibits significant functional group tolerance, and provides an efficient and straightforward pathway for the synthesis of various phosphonylated quinoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones.