Rh₂(II)-Catalyzed Ester Migration to Afford 3<i>H</i>-Indoles from Trisubstituted Styryl Azides

Abstract

Rh2(II)-complexes trigger the formation of 3H-indoles from ortho-alkenyl substituted aryl azides. This reaction occurs through a 4π-electron-5-atom electrocyclization of the rhodium N-aryl nitrene followed by a [1,2]-migration to afford only 3H-indoles. The selectivity of the migration is dependent on the identity of the β-styryl substituent.