Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol.138, No.18, 5793-5796, 2016
Enantioselective Synthesis of Indole-Annulated Medium-Sized Rings
Asymmetric synthesis of indole-annulated medium-sized-ring compounds is developed through an iridium-catalyzed allylic dearomatization/retro-Mannich/hydrolysis cascade reaction. The reaction features mild conditions and a broad substrate scope. Under the optimal conditions, various seven-, eight-, or nine-membered-ring compounds can be afforded in good to excellent yields and excellent enantioselectivity. The proposed mechanism is supported by capturing the dearomatized intermediate through in situ reduction.