Synthesis of 2-Formyl Carbazoles via Tandem Reaction of Indolyl Nitrones with 2-Methylidene Cyclic Carbonate

Org Lett. 2023 Jun 16;25(23):4298-4302. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c01336. Epub 2023 Jun 7.

Abstract

The synthesis of functionalized carbazoles as privileged nitrogen heterocycles has emerged as a central topic in drug discovery and material science. We herein disclose the rhodium(III)-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between indolyl nitrones and 2-methylidene cyclic carbonate as an allylating surrogate, resulting in the formation of C2-formylated carbazoles via tandem C-H allylation, [3 + 2] cycloaddition, aromatization, and benzylic oxidation. The synthetic utility of this protocol is highlighted by a variety of post-transformations of C2-formylated carbazoles.

MeSH terms

  • Carbazoles*
  • Carbonates
  • Catalysis
  • Nitrogen Oxides*

Substances

  • Carbazoles
  • nitrones
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Carbonates