Highly chemoselective reduction using a Rh/C–Fe(OAc)2 system: practical synthesis of functionalized indoles

Here, we report a highly effective and chemoselective method of preparing substituted indoles from (E)-2-nitropyrrolidinostyrenes via hydrogenation in the presence of a rhodium catalyst doped by additives such as Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, Fe(OAc)2 or Co(acac)3. These hydrogenation conditions may also be applied to other substrates. Aromatic nitro compounds and olefins can be selectively reduced in the presence of aromatic benzyl ethers, aromatic halides and aromatic aldehydes.