Rh(III)-Catalyzed Divergent Synthesis of Alkynylated Imidazo[1,5-a]indoles and α,α-Difluoromethylene Tetrasubstituted Alkenes

Herein, we report the divergent synthesis of alkynylated imidazo[1,5-a]indoles and alpha,alpha-difluoromethylene tetrasubstituted alkenes through Rh(III)-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation/alkyne moiety migration and C-H alkenylation/DG migration, respectively. This protocol features tunable product selectivity, excellent chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity, broad substrate scope, moderate to high yields, good tolerance of functional groups, and mild redox-neutral conditions.

Automated summary

In this study, alkynylated imidazo[1,5-a]indoles and alpha,alpha-difluoromethylene tetrasubstituted alkenes were successfully synthesized via Rh(III)-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation/alkyne moiety migration and C-H alkenylation/DG migration, showing excellent product selectivity, high yields, and good tolerance of functional groups.