Synthesis of cyano-substituted carbazoles successive C-C/C-H cleavage

A highly efficient protocol for the synthesis of polysubstituted cyano carbazoles has been developed. This process is realized through the tandem reactions of Cs 2 CO 3 promoted C-C σ-bond activation of α-cyano ketones followed by Fe-catalyzed selective C-H and/or C-C bond activations. Two of the sp 2 C-H bonds are functionalized, and two of the C-C σ-bonds are cleaved involving a 1,2-acyl migration during the reaction process. Cs 2 CO 3 promoted C-C σ-bond activation of α-cyano ketones followed by Fe-catalyzed selective C-H and/or C-C bond activations towards cyano carbazoles.