Organocatalytic Cascade β-Functionalization/Aromatization of Pyrrolidines via Double Hydride Transfer

Abstract

An unprecedented cascade β-functionalization/aromatization reaction of <i>N</i>-arylpyrrolidines was established. A series of β-substituted arylpyrroles embedded with trifluoromethyl groups are provided directly from <i>N</i>-arylpyrrolidines. The deuterium-labeling experiments indicate that sequential double hydride transfer processes serve as the key steps in this transformation.