Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization: Formation of Indoles, Benzofurans, and Enol Lactones

Abstract

Internal affairs: Indoles, benzofurans, and enol lactones are formed chemoselectively from the rhodium-catalyzed cycloisomerization reaction of easily prepared alkynyl aniline substrates (see scheme, cod=cycloocta-1,5-diene, DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide). The reaction may proceed by nucleophilic capture of a vinylidene intermediate. Indoles are formed under mild conditions using low catalyst loadings. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2007/z604183_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.