Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral Synthesis of Indenones from 2-Aryl-3-nitrosoindoles with Alkynes

Herein, we developed a rhodium(III)-catalyzed synthesis of indenones from 2-aryl-3-nitrosoindoles and alkynes in a redox-neutral manner. The reaction did not require harsh conditions or any external oxidants. Mechanistic experiments and DFT calculation revealed that the reaction involved directed C-H activation, dearomative spirocyclization, N-O/C-C bond cleavage and ketimine hydrolysis cascade processes. image

Automated summary

We developed a redox-neutral synthesis of indenones catalyzed by rhodium(III), which does not require harsh conditions or any external oxidants. Mechanistic experiments and DFT calculation revealed that the reaction involves various cascade processes.