Synthesis of cyano-substituted carbazoles <i>via</i> successive C–C/C–H cleavage

Abstract

A highly efficient protocol for the synthesis of polysubstituted cyano carbazoles has been developed. This process is realized through the tandem reactions of Cs2CO3 promoted C-C σ-bond activation of α-cyano ketones followed by Fe-catalyzed selective C-H and/or C-C bond activations. Two of the sp2 C-H bonds are functionalized, and two of the C-C σ-bonds are cleaved involving a 1,2-acyl migration during the reaction process.