Anti-Markovnikov hydroheteroarylation of unactivated alkenes with indoles, pyrroles, benzofurans, and furans catalyzed by a nickel-N-heterocyclic carbene system

J Am Chem Soc. 2015 Sep 30;137(38):12215-8. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b08039. Epub 2015 Sep 16.

Abstract

We report the catalytic addition of C-H bonds at the C2 position of heteroarenes, including pyrroles, indoles, benzofurans, and furans, to unactivated terminal and internal alkenes. The reaction is catalyzed by a combination of Ni(COD)2 and a sterically hindered, electron-rich N-heterocyclic carbene ligand or its analogous Ni(NHC)(arene) complex. The reaction is highly selective for anti-Markovnikov addition to α-olefins, as well as for the formation of linear alkylheteroarenes from internal alkenes. The reaction occurs with substrates containing ketones, esters, amides, boronate esters, silyl ethers, sulfonamides, acetals, and free amines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemistry*
  • Benzofurans / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Furans / chemistry*
  • Indoles / chemistry*
  • Methane / analogs & derivatives*
  • Methane / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nickel / chemistry
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Pyrroles / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Benzofurans
  • Furans
  • Indoles
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Pyrroles
  • carbene
  • Nickel
  • Methane