Ruthenium-catalysed one-pot regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a] indoles via cascade C-H functionalization/annulation

A cascade approach has been developed towards dual C-C bond formation via consecutive C-H functionalization/cyclization giving access to pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles in a highly regio- and diastereoselective manner using catalytic [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2. The methodology was further expanded to attain pentacyclic structures involving manifold C-C bond creation. © 2017 The Royal Society of Chemistry.