Enantioselective Synthesis of Indolines, Benzodihydrothiophenes, and Indanes by C-H Insertion of Donor/Donor Carbenes

We employ a single catalyst/oxidant system to enable the asymmetric syntheses of indolines, benzodihydrothiophenes, and indanes by C-H insertion of donor/donor carbenes. This methodology enables the rapid construction of densely substituted five-membered rings that form the core of many drug targets and natural products. Furthermore, oxidation of hydrazones to the corresponding diazo compounds proceeds in situ, enabling a relatively facile one- or two-pot protocol in which isolation of potentially explosive diazo alkanes is avoided. Regioselectivity studies were performed to determine the impact of sterics and electronics in donor/donor metal carbene C-H insertions to form indolines. This methodology was applied to a variety of substrates in high yield, diastereomeric, and enantiomeric ratios and to the synthesis of a patented indane estrogen receptor agonist with anti-cancer activity.