A concise synthesis of spiroindolenines from 2-substituted (Me, Et) indoles and 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)benzaldehydes has been developed via a [1,5]-hydride shift/cyclization sequence. This method features a wide substrate scope and an operationally simple procedure, affording the spiroindolenines in good to excellent yields and moderate diastereoselectivity (3.5/1 dr). When the inseparable mixture of spiroindolenine isomers were washed with isopropyl ether after flash chromatography, the major isomers could be obtained in up to >20/1 dr.
Benzaldehydes/chemistry , Indoles/chemistry , Catalysis , Cyclization , Hydrogen Bonding , Molecular Structure , Stereoisomerism
Lewis acid-catalyzed redox-neutral amination of 2-(3-pyrroline-1-yl)benzaldehydes via intramolcular [1,5]-hydride shift/isomerization reaction has been realized, using the inherent reducing power of 3-pyrrolines. A series of N-arylpyrrole containing amines are obtained in high yields.
