Functionalization of CH and CH Bonds: Synthesis of Spiroindenes by Enolate‐Directed Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation of Alkynes with 2‐Aryl‐1,3‐dicarbonyl Compounds

Ru(de) awakening: The synthesis of carbocycles by the ruthenium-catalyzed oxidative annulation of alkynes with 2-aryl cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl substrates is described. Proceeding by the functionalization of CH and CH bonds, and the formation of an all-carbon quaternary center, the reaction provides a diverse range of spiroindenes in good yields with high levels of regioselectivity. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as "Supporting Information". Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.