Cobalt-catalyzed direct carbonylative 3-acylation of (N–H)Indoles with alkyl halides

Abstract

A cobalt-catalyzed approach to intermolecular carbonylative 3-acylation of heterocycles via C–H functionalization is described. This transformation enables the direct C–H acylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkyl halides. Notably, this procedure is also compatible with indoles containing unprotected NH groups. Overall, this methodology represents an atom-economical and general strategy for synthesizing alkyl-(hetero)aryl ketones.