An asymmetricdearomatization of indoles bearing α-diazoacetamide functionalities was developed for synthesizing high-value spiro scaffolds. A silver phosphate chemoselectively catalyzed the sterically challenging dearomatization, whereas more typically used metal catalysts for carbene transfer reactions, such as a rhodium complex, were not effective and instead resulted in a Büchner ring expansion
general alkylation of heterocycles using a simple palladium catalyst is reported. Most classes of heterocycles, including indoles and pyridines, efficiently coupled with unactivated secondary and tertiary alkylhalides. An alkyl radical addition to neutral heteroarenes is most likely involved.