Synthesis of 2-(2-Nitroalkyl)indoles by Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C–H Alkylation

The Rh(III)-catalyzed addition of the indole C2–H bond to nitroalkenes under an ambient atmosphere is disclosed, providing direct access to a wide range of 2-(2-nitroalkyl)indoles (33 examples) with excellent chemo- and regioselectivity. In addition, pyrrole derivatives also successfully participated in this Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction. Representative nitroalkane products could be converted into structurally diverse and valuable indole derivatives. Furthermore, a series of control experiments were conducted, and a plausible mechanism was proposed.