Ag-Catalyzed Domino Decarboxylative Alkylation/Dearomative Annulation: Entry to Fused-Pyrido[4,3- b]Indolones

Org Lett. 2024 Oct 25;26(42):9146-9150. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c03556. Epub 2024 Oct 10.

Abstract

Here we report the development of unprecedented silver-catalyzed intramolecular annulations of N-acrolyl-2-(3-indolyl) benzimidazoles with alkyl carboxylic acids to construct complex fused-pentacyclic alkaloid scaffolds. Divergent reactivities are noticed with altered groups at C2-indole of the substrate. The reaction proceeds through decarboxylative alkylation, followed by dearomative annulation in a domino manner with excellent diastereoselectivity. Owing to the reactivity of the tert-OH group, these aza-enriched scaffolds can be further functionalized.