Ru(0)-Catalyzed Alkenylation of 2-Carboxaldimine Heterocyclopenta-dienes with H2 Transfer

A new Ru3(CO)12-catalyzed directed alkenylation of 2-carboxaldimine-heterocyclopentadienes has been accomplished. This process allows to couple furan, pyrrole, indole and thiophene 2-carboxaldimines with electron-poor alkenes such as acrylates, vinylsulfones, and styrenes. This regio- and chemoselective oxidative C–H coupling does not require the presence of an additional sacrificial oxidant. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations allowed to propose a mechanism and unveiled the nature of the H2 acceptor.