Cp*Co(iii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization/spiroannulation for the synthesis of spiroindenes from 1,3-indandione and alkenes

Abstract

A Co(III)-catalyzed C–H functionalization/spiroannulation of 1,3-indandione with alkenes has been developed for the synthesis of spiroindenes. This efficient protocol features excellent functional group tolerance and highly atom- and step-economy. In this cobalt catalyzed transformation, 1,3-indandione undergoes a facile oxidative dimerization to afford a reactive dimeric intermediate, thus obviating the tedious procedure for the prior preparation of substrates. Furthermore, readily available alkenes, whose compatibility with previous approaches would otherwise be challenging, were well tolerated in this protocol.