Ionic Diamine Rhodium Complex Catalyzed Reductive N-Heterocyclization of 2-Nitrovinylarenes

Ionic diamine rhodium complex (1) catalyzes the reductive N-cyclization of 2-vinylnitroarenes using carbon monoxide as a reducing agent to afford functionalized indoles. The catalytic system allows direct access to indoles with ester and ketone groups at the 2- or 3-position, in good yields.