The rhodium-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to vinylogous imines generated in situ from sulfonylindoles has been developed. This procedure provided a rapid approach to C-3 sec-alkyl-substituted indoles.
A convenient approach to 3-sec-alkyl substituted indoles was developed via palladium-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to vinylogousiminesgenerated in situfrom sulfonylindoles under mild conditions.
Malononitrile on rare form: HighlyenantioselectiveMichaeladdition of malononitrile to vinylogousimineintermediates 2, generated in situfromarylsulfonylindoles 1, is described (see scheme). This protocol provides easy and convenient access to valuable 3‐indolyl derivatives 3 in high yields and enantioselectivities. A possible catalytic mechanism is proposed.