Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C–H Cascade Annulation of Arylhydrazines with 2-Diazo-1,3-indandiones for the Synthesis of Tetracyclic Indeno[1,2-b]indoles

Abstract

An efficient approach for the preparation of tetracyclic indeno [1,2-b]indoles via Rh(III)-catalyzed C−H cascade annulation between arylhydrazines and diazo indan-1,3diones has been established. In addition, a series of indeno[1,2b]indoles were obtained in up to 96% yield with a wide range of substrates and high functional group tolerance. Finally, the diverse transformations of the desired products demonstrate the synthetic utility and utilization of this protocol.