Iridium‐Catalyzed Branch‐Selective and Enantioselective C2‐Alkylation of N‐Benzimidazolyl Indoles.

Iridium‐catalyzed enantioselective C2‐alkylation of indole derivatives with terminal alkenes proceeded to give branched alkylation products with high enantioselectivity (39–99% yields, 20–91% ee). The reaction of indole derivatives having an N‐substituted benzimidazolyl as a directing group gave the branch‐selective alkylated products. Styrene derivatives and allylsilanes were good substrates displaying high enantioselectivity. The directing group was readily removed in several ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]