Palladium-Catalyzed Oxidative C-H Bond and C=C Double Bond Cleavage: C-3 Acylation of Indolizines with α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids

A novel palladium-catalyzed C-3 acylation of indolizines with alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylic acids via C-H bond and C=C double bond cleavage under oxidative conditions is described. The regioselectivity is assisted by the carboxylic group, and the selection of the oxidant is crucial to the reaction.