Catalytic [3 + 2] annulation of ketimines with alkynes via C-H activation by a cationic iridium(cod) complexElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental procedures, and compound characterization data. See DOI: 10.1039/c4cc01874e

[3 + 2] Annulation of ketimines with internal and terminal alkynes proceeded via C-H activation to give aminoindene derivatives in high yields, which is catalyzed by a cationic iridium complex coordinated with 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod). Iridium-catalyzed annulation of ketimines with internal and terminal alkynes proceeded via C-H activation to give aminoindene derivatives.