Synthesis of silyl indenes by ruthenium-catalyzed aldehyde- and acylsilane-enabled C–H alkylation/cyclization

Abstract

A ruthenium-catalyzed C–H alkylation/cyclization sequence is presented to prepare silyl indenes with atom and step-economy. This domino reaction is triggered by acyl silane-directed C–H activation, and an aldehyde controlled the following enol cyclization/condensation other than β-H elimination. The protocol tolerates a broad substitution pattern, and the further synthetic elaboration of silyl indenes allows access to a diverse range of interesting indene and indanone derivatives.