Pd-Catalyzed Migratory 1,1-Cycloannulation Reaction of Alkenes

Here, we report a novel strategy for the preparation of diverse heterocycles via a Pd-catalyzed migratory 1,1-cycloannulation reaction (MCAR) of alkenes. Starting from readily available alkenyl amines and alkenyl alcohols, this approach allows the formation of a wide range of five- to seven-membered azaheterocycles and oxaheterocycles with high efficiency and good functional group tolerance. The key to the realization of this reaction is the use of 4-iodophenol or 2-iodophenol derivatives where the phenolic hydroxyl group plays a critical role in controlling the direction of migration and the ring-size of the heterocycles through the formation of a quinone methide intermediate.