Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral CH Annulation of Arylnitrones and Alkynes for the Synthesis of Indole Derivatives.

By using a nitrone as the oxidizing directing group, a mild, practical and efficient rhodium(III)-catalyzed CH functionalization for the synthesis of indole derivatives has been developed. This reaction obviates the need for an external oxidant and shows good functional group tolerance. The employment of a sterically hindered Mes group on the carbon center of the nitrone is crucial to produce indoles in high yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]