Enantioselective Synthesis of Indolines, Benzodihydrothiophenes, and Indanes by C−H Insertion of Donor/Donor Carbenes

Abstract

AbstractWe employ a single catalyst/oxidant system to enable the asymmetric syntheses of indolines, benzodihydrothiophenes, and indanes by C−H insertion of donor/donor carbenes. This methodology enables the rapid construction of densely substituted five‐membered rings that form the core of many drug targets and natural products. Furthermore, oxidation of hydrazones to the corresponding diazo compounds proceeds in situ, enabling a relatively facile one‐ or two‐pot protocol in which isolation of potentially explosive diazo alkanes is avoided. Regioselectivity studies were performed to determine the impact of sterics and electronics in donor/donor metal carbene C−H insertions to form indolines. This methodology was applied to a variety of substrates in high yield, diastereomeric, and enantiomeric ratios and to the synthesis of a patented indane estrogen receptor agonist with anti‐cancer activity.