Iridium- and Rhodium-Catalyzed Carbocyclization between 2-Phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and α-Diazo Esters

Iridium(III) and rhodium(III) complexes can catalyze the carbocyclization between 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and alpha-diazo esters. The reaction occurs via C-H activation and dialkylation of the arene followed by intramolecular nucleophilic substitution. Iridium(III) and rhodium(III) catalysis offer complementary scopes with respect to the alpha-diazo esters.