Rh-Catalyzed C–C/C–N bond formation via C–H activation: synthesis of 2H-indazol-2-yl-benzo[a]carbazoles

Abstract

Rh-Catalyzed tandem site-selective C–H activation and ring opening/cyclization of 7-azabenzonorbornadienes with aryl-2H-indazoles is developed to furnish indazolyl-benzocarbazoles. The mechanistic studies suggest that the second C–H activation is the product-determining step. The use of an air stable cationic Rh-catalyst and site-selectivity, and substrate scope are the important practical features.