Divergent Coupling of 2-Carbonyl-anilines and Diazo-cyclopentanones: Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (+)-Leucomidine A

The direct coupling of 2-carbonyl-anilines and diazo-cyclopentanones, promoted by a rhodium catalyst and diphenyl phosphate, is reported for the divergent generation of both carbazolones and indolones. The strategy allows for the successful transfer of the substituents/functionality and the chirality of the coupling partners into the functionalized heterocyclic products, thus serving as the strategic basis for natural product synthesis as demonstrated by the concise asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-leucomidine A.