C-H Alkenylation of Pyrroles by Electronically Matching Ligand Control

Directing group and substrate control strategies have frequently been employed for the regioselective C-H alkenylation of acid- and oxidant-sensitive pyrrole heterocycles. We developed an undirected, aerobic strategy for the C-H alkenylation of N-alkylpyrroles by ligand control. For C2-alkenylation of electron-rich N-alkylpyrroles, an electrophilic palladium catalyst derived from Pd(OAc)₂ and 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one (DAF) was used. Alternatively, a combination of Pd(OAc)₂ and a mono-protected amino acid ligand, Ac-Val-OH, was useful for C5-alkenylation of N-alkylpyrroles possessing electron-withdrawing groups at the C2 position. This approach based on the electronic effects of heterocycles and catalysts can rapidly provide a wide range of alkenyl pyrroles from readily available N-alkylpyrroles and alkenes.