Cyclopentannulation of 3-Alkylindoles: A Synthesis of a Tetracyclic Subunit of the Kopsane Alkaloids

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Indoles which bear an alkyl substituent in the 3-position undergo a [3 + 2] annulation reaction when treated with 1,1-cyclopropane diesters in the presence of Yb(OTf)3 resulting in 2,3-cyclopentanoindolines. Typically, the reactions are performed at elevated temperatures or at ultrahigh pressures. In cases where steric crowding is an issue, ultrahigh pressures are required. In reactions involving substituted cyclopropanes, significant regio- and diastereocontrol was observed. When the substituent was aromatic or olefinic, the reactions took place at ambient temperature and pressure. The applicability of this methodology to the preparation of a key tetracyclic subunit of the kopsane alkaloids was demonstrated.