Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of pyrroloindolines via a rhodium(II)-catalyzed annulation of indoles.

Herein we report the synthesis of pyrroloindolines via a catalytic enantioselective formal [3+2] cycloaddition of C(3)-substituted indoles. This methodology utilizes 4-aryl-1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles as carbenoid precursors and the rhodium(II)-tetracarboxylate catalyst Rh2(S-PTAD)4. A variety of aryl-substituted pyrroloindolines were prepared in good yields and with high levels of enantioinduction.