A catalytic homo-Nazarov cyclization protocol for the synthesis of heteroaromatic ring-fused cyclohexanones.

A general protocol for the catalytic homo-Nazarov cyclization of cyclopropyl heteroaryl ketones has been developed, which employs indium triflate as the promoter. A range of heteroaromatic ring-fused cyclohexanones was synthesized in 56-91% yield using this protocol. An example of a tandem cyclopropanation/homo-Nazarov cyclization is also reported in which the one-pot yield is greater than the overall yield of the two individual steps.