Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Tetrahydrocarbolines via Iridium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Friedel–Crafts Type Allylic Alkylation Reactions

A highly enantioselective synthesis of substituted tetrahydrocarbolines via Ir-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts type intramolecular asymmetric allylic alkylation of 2-indolyl allyl carbonates has been developed. This strategy features excellent chemoselectivity and enantioselectivity, mild reaction conditions, and an easily accessed chiral ligand.