PyBidine/Copper Catalyst: Asymmetric exo′-Selective [3+2] Cycloaddition using Imino Ester and Electrophilic Indole

Electrophilic indoles having two electron‐withdrawing groups undergo nucleophilic attack at C2 and electrophilic functionalization at C3. This is the first enantioselective formal [3+2] cycloaddition using electrophilic indoles. The PyBidine/Cu catalyst smoothly promoted highly enantio‐ and exo′‐selective [3+2] cycloaddition using imino esters and 3‐nitroindoles. This reaction provides a method for the preparation of diverse and complex chiral pyrroloindoline compounds. Under attack: An electrophilic indole undergo nucleophilic attack at C2 and electrophilic functionalization at C3. The PyBidine/Cu catalyst promoted highly enantio‐ and exo′‐selective [3+2] cycloaddition using imino esters and 3‐nitroindoles. This reaction can provide diverse chiral pyrroloindoline compounds.