Authors: Jillian E. Spangler and Huw M. L. Davies
J. Am. Chem. Soc.,
2013, 135 (18), 6802–6805
Herein we report the synthesis of pyrroloindolines via a catalytic enantioselective formal [3+2] cycloaddition of C(3)-substituted indoles. This methodology utilizes 4-aryl-1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles as carbenoid precursors and the rhodium(II)-tetracarboxylate catalyst Rh2(S-PTAD)4. A variety of aryl-substituted pyrroloindolines were prepared in good yields and with high levels of enantioinduction.