Selective Construction of All-Carbon Quaternary Centers via Relay Catalysis of Indole C-H Functionalization/Allylic Alkylation

Herein, a novel [Rh]2-catalyzed three-component reaction of readily accessible indoles, diazo compounds, and allylic compounds is developed via a relay carbene-induced C-H functionalization and allylic alkylation process, affording diverse C3 substituted indoles bearing all-carbon quaternary centers in good yields with high atom and step economy. Moreover, good enantioselective control is achieved using a (-)-DIOP type ligand, thus providing an efficient method for constructing enantioenriched indole derivatives bearing an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter.

Automated summary

A novel [Rh]2-catalyzed three-component reaction has been developed for the synthesis of C3 substituted indoles bearing all-carbon quaternary centers. This reaction involves a relay carbene-induced C-H functionalization and allylic alkylation process, showing good atom and step economy. Enantioselective control is achieved using a specific ligand, providing an efficient method for constructing enantioenriched indole derivatives with an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter.