Highly selective synthesis of hydrazones and indoles from olefins

Reaction of aliphatic olefins with synthesis gas and hydrazines in the presence of rhodium phosphine catalysts leads directly to the corresponding hydrazones. Applying Iphos as ligand good to excellent yields and high chemo- and regioselectivities were obtained in toluene under mild conditions. In case of aromatic hydrazines in situ Fischer indole synthesis can be combined with the new hydrazone preparation to give substituted indoles directly from olefins. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.