Pyridazine N-Oxides as Precursors of Metallocarbenes: Rhodium-Catalyzed Transannulation with Pyrroles.

Pyridazine N-oxides are used for the first time as precursors of metallocarbenes. These nitrogen-rich heterocycles led to the discovery of a novel acceptor and donor-acceptor enalcarbenoids. The synthetic utility of these metallocarbenes was demonstrated in the rhodium-catalyzed denitrogenative transannulation of pyridazine N-oxides with pyrroles to the valuable alkyl, 7-aryl, and 7-styryl indoles. The transannulation strategy was applied to the synthesis of a potent anticancer agent.