Rh(III)-Catalyzed Direct C7 Alkylation of Indolines with Nitroalkenes

The Rh(III)-catalyzed C7-alkylation of indolines with nitroalkenes under an ambient atmosphere is disclosed, affording diverse 7-(2-nitroalkyl)indolines with excellent chemo- and regioselectivity. The directing group is readily removable, and the resulting products can be oxidized to deliver 7-(2-nitroalkyl)indoles. Moreover, a plausible mechanism is proposed on the basis of control experiments.