Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylation of ortho-Alkenyl Iodobenzenes for the Construction of 3-Arylindenones

Abstract

We developed a novel Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of ortho-alkenyl iodobenzenes with CO, affording a diverse array of 3-arylindenones in good to excellent yields (up to 94% yield). This methodology exhibits broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. The synthetic utility was demonstrated by a gram-scale reaction, diverse product derivatizations, and the preparation of an intermediate for a PPARγ agonist.