Efficient indenones synthesis via iridium-catalyzed decarboxylative annulation between 2-oxo-2-phenylacetic acids and alkynes

Abstract Efficient iridium-catalyzed decarboxylative annulation reactions between 2-oxo-2-phenylacetic acids and alkyne derivatives has been achieved. [IrCp*Cl 2 ] 2 with a (CH 3 OC 6 H 4 ) 3 P ligand, AgSbF 6 and Cu(OAc) 2 additives was the most efficient catalytic system for this transformation. This reaction is suitable for a broad range of alkynes and 2-oxo-2-phenylacetic acids and a variety of indenone derivatives were obtained in medium to high yields. This work provides an efficient approach for the construction of indenones by iridium–catalyzed decarboxylative annulation.