Rh(iii)-Catalyzed regioselective C4 alkylation of indoles with allylic alcohols: direct access to β-indolyl ketones.

A Rh(iii)-catalyzed and weak coordination carbonyl guided direct C4 alkylation of indoles with allylic alcohols was developed with excellent regioselectivity. This reaction was conducted under mild conditions, leading to a variety of β-indolyl ketones with good functional group tolerance in moderate to good yields.