Synthesis of Functionalized Indolizines via Copper-Catalyzed Annulation of 2-Alkylazaarenes with α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids

A novel copper-catalyzed annulation of 2-alkylazaarenes with alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylic acids has been accomplished. This reaction featuring C-H olefination and decarboxylative amination processes provides a concise access to C-2 arylated indolizines from simple and readily available starting materials.