Direct Access to Indoles by IrIII-Catalyzed C–H Functionalization of Acetanilides with Diazo Compounds

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/ejoc.201700095

A one-pot synthesis of indole derivatives from readily available acetanilides and diazo compounds was developed. This Ir^III-catalyzed C–H alkylation and annulation reaction proceeds under mild conditions and generates molecular nitrogen and water as byproducts. Various types of synthetically versatile N-substituted indoles, including N-acetyl, N-pivolyl, and N-benzoyl indoles, were prepared.