Iridium‐Catalyzed Branch‐Selective and Enantioselective C2‐Alkylation of N‐Benzimidazolyl Indoles

Abstract

Iridium-catalyzed enantioselective C2-alkylation of indole derivatives with terminal alkenes proceeded to give branched alkylation products with high enantioselectivity (39-99% yields, 20-91% ee). The reaction of indole derivatives having an Nsubstituted benzimidazolyl as a directing group gave the branch-selective alkylated products. Styrene derivatives and allylsilanes were good substrates displaying high enantioselectivity. The directing group was readily removed in several ways.