A unique annulation of 7-azaindoles with alkenyl esters to produce π-conjugated 7-azaindole derivatives

Rhodium(III)-catalyzed N-directed ortho C-H activation and subsequent roll-over C-H activation represents an important strategy to synthesize fused polycyclic compounds. Herein, the novel methodology broadens the scope of the coupling partner to alkenes, which working smoothly with 7-azaindoles has been proven to be an efficient and atom-economical strategy to access complex p-conjugated 7-azaindole derivatives.