Rhodium-Catalyzed C–H Arylation of Indoles with Arylsilanes at Room Temperature

Abstract

The Cp*Rh-catalyzed C–H arylation of indoles with arylsilanes is developed. This C–H activation transformation allows for the Rh-catalyzed indole C₂ arylation to overcome the limitations of requiring strong directing group assistance and high-temperature conditions, achieving a room-temperature transformation driven by a weak directing group. Cp*Rh/MeOH catalytic media are considered a key factor enabling this transformation to occur under mild conditions, and experimental studies and theoretical calculations were performed to rationalize the reaction mechanisms and the influence of methanol as a solvent in promoting the reaction.