This strategy demonstrates efficient synthesis of diverse indenone derivatives, suggesting a new approach to conventional methods.
A telescoped Ru(II)/Fe-catalyzed strategy enabling direct access to highly substituted indenones from simple aromatic ketones is reported. The sequence merges Ru(II)-catalyzed ketone-directed ortho-C-H alkenylation with FeCl₃-mediated formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition/ring-opening cascade, delivering diverse indenone derivatives in good to excellent yields with broad functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies support the formation of an ortho-keto-cinnamate that undergoes Lewis acid-promoted enolate formation, cyclization, and rearomatization. This step and atom-economical protocol offer a practical alternative to conventional indenone syntheses and a versatile platform for late-stage functionalization.
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Bhat et al. (2026) studied this question.
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