Regioselective Rh-catalyzed direct carbonylation of indoles to synthesize indole-3-carboxylates

Chem Commun (Camb). 2011 Dec 14;47(46):12553-5. doi: 10.1039/c1cc15143f. Epub 2011 Oct 26.

Abstract

Rh-catalyzed C-H carbonylation of indoles under 1 atm of CO has been achieved. Various substituted indoles and indole with free N-H could be carboxylated with linear- and/or cyclic-alcohol to give the desired indole-3-carboxylates with up to 92% yield. A mechanism involving Rh(III) initiated C-H metallation is proposed.