Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Oxidative Allylic C–H Indolylation via Nucleophilic Cyclization

Reported herein is a mild synthesis of 3-allylindoles via Rh(III)-catalyzed allylic C–H activation of olefins and coupling with o-alkynylanilines. The reaction proceeded via initial nucleophilic cyclization of o-alkynylanilines followed by oxidative coupling with allylic C–H bonds via an η3-allyl intermediate.