An enantioselective C–H functionalization of N-methoxymethyl (MOM)-protected 2,3-unsubstituted indoles with α-diazopropionates has been effected via catalysis by dirhodium(II) tetrakis[ N-phthaloyl-( S)-triethylalaninate], Rh 2(( S)-PTTEA) 4, providing α-methyl-3-indolylacetates in high yields and with enantioselectivities of up to 86% ee. The effectiveness of this protocol was demonstrated by the first catalytic asymmetric synthesis of the (+)-α-methyl-3-indolylacetic acid fragment of acremoauxin A, a potent plant-growth inhibitor. Furthermore, the Fujioka protocol using a combination of TMSOTf and 2,2′-bipyridyl was shown to be superior for the removal of the N-MOM group.
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