Enal-azomethine ylides: application in the synthesis of functionalized pyrroles

Rhodium-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation of diazoenals and N-alkyl imines resulted in N-alkyl-pyrrole-3-carbaldehyde derivatives. The reaction involves thermal 6π-electrocyclization and aromatization of a new class of enal-azomethine ylides (EAYs). The EAYs derived from dihydroisoquinoline and 2H-azirine gave fused-pyrrole and pyridine derivatives, respectively. The synthetic importance of pyrrole products has been demonstrated by one-step synthesis of the biologically relevant pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinoline scaffold as well as pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline which is a core structure of lamellarin alkaloids.

Catalysts-Controlled Roles Exchange between 2,3-Diaryl-2H-azirines and Acetone: Chemodivergent Synthesis of Pyrroles and 3-Oxazolines

We report two practical and step-economical methodologies for the chemodivergent synthesis of tri-substituted pyrroles and 3-oxazolines from the domino reactions of 2H-azirines and acetone. For instance, acetone served as a nucleophile to react with 2H-azirines under the basic conditions to furnish pyrroles. Upon changing the catalyst to TfOH, acetone served as an electrophile to synthesize 3-oxazolines. Moreover, the products could be synthesized on a gram scale, and the possible catalytic cycles were proposed.

Hydrogen bonding-promoted tunable approach for access to aza-bicyclo-[3.3.0]octanes and cyclopenta[b] pyrroles

A unified strategy is disclosed that builds on successfully engaging the aniline nitrogen of 1,3-amphoteric γ-aminocyclopentenone for a tandem annulation with electron-poor alkynes, solely assisted by the H-bonding network of HFIP. This metal-free mild strategy provides access to medicinally relevant aza-bicyclo-octanes en route to another important scaffold: cyclopenta[b]pyrrole.

Site-selective chlorination of pyrrolic heterocycles by flavin dependent enzyme PrnC

Halogenation of pyrrole requires strong electrophilic reagents and often leads to undesired polyhalogenated products. Biocatalytic halogenation is a highly attractive approach given its chemoselectivity and benign reaction conditions. While there are several reports of enzymatic phenol and indole halogenation in organic synthesis, corresponding reports on enzymatic pyrrole halogenation have been lacking. Here we describe the in vitro functional and structural characterization of PrnC, a flavin-dependent halogenase that can act on free-standing pyrroles. Computational modeling and site mutagenesis studies identified three key residues in the catalytic pocket. A moderate resolution map using single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy reveals PrnC to be a dimer. This native PrnC can halogenate a library of structurally diverse pyrrolic heterocycles in a site-selective manner and be applied in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of a chlorinated analog of the agrochemical fungicide Fludioxonil.

Aryldiazonium-Salt-Triggered Carboxylative Azotization of Pyrroles or Indoles with Polyhalomethanes via Halogen-Atom Transfer (XAT)

A halogen-atom-transfer (XAT)-based method for carbonylazotization of pyrroles or indoles with aryldiazonium salts and polyhalomethanes via dual C(sp2)-H bond functionalization is described. Using aryldiazonium salts realizes carbonylation/azotization of pyrroles or indoles via polyhalomethyl-radical-mediated and electrophilic substitution, thus providing a green, efficient, and step-economy approach for synthesis of multifunctional pyrroles or indoles from the easily available substrates. Notably, this strategy relies on the use of aryldiazonium salts to extend the well-established iodine atom transfer to bromine or chlorine atom transfer.

Mn(OAc)2-promoted [3+2] cyclization of enaminone with isocyanoacetate: Rapid access to pyrrole-2-carboxylic ester derivatives with potent anticancer activity

The practical and facile Mn(OAc)2-promoted [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of enaminones with isocyanoacetate was developed, that delivered a diversity of 3-aroyl pyrrole-2-carboxylic esters with broad substrates scope. The most of the newly synthesized compounds exhibit moderate antiproliferative activity against four cancer cells. Notably, compound 2n demonstrate the most potent activity with average IC50 values of 5.61 μM against four distinct cancer cell lines. Moreover, 2n exhibit favorable anti-migration activity and drug-like properties. The further investigation suggests that compound 2n possesses the ability to inhibit ERK5 activity and exhibits effective binding with the ERK5 protein, making it a promising candidate as a lead compound for a new class of ERK5 inhibitors discovery.

Transition-metal catalyzed C-H activation as a means of synthesizing complex natural products

Over the past few decades, the advent of C-H activation has led to a rethink among chemists about the synthetic strategies employed for multi-step transformations. Indeed, deploying innovative and masterful tricks against the numerous classical organic transformations has been the need of the hour. Despite this, the immense importance of C-H activation remains unfulfilled unless the methodology can be deployed for large-scale industrial processes and towards the concise, step-economic synthesis of prodigious natural products and pharmaceutical drugs. Lately, the growing potential of C-H activation methodology has indeed driven the pioneers of synthetic organic chemists into finding more efficient methods to accelerate the synthesis of such complex molecular scaffolds. This review aims to draw a general overview of the various C-H activation procedures that have been adopted for synthesizing these vast majority of structurally complicated natural products. Our objective lies in drawing a complete picture and taking the readers through the synthesis of a series of such complex organic compounds by simplified techniques, making it step-economic on a larger scale and thus instigating the readers to trigger the use of such methodology and uncover new, unique patterns for future synthesis of such natural products.

Regioselective Synthesis of 3-Trifluoromethylpyrroles by [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of N-Acyl α-Amino Acids and 2-Bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene

A mild and concise method for the synthesis of 3-trifluoromethylpyrroles via base-mediated [3 + 2] cycloaddition of N-acyl α-amino acids and 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene is described. N-Acyl α-amino acids serve as 1,3-dipole precursors without additional activating agents directly. A high level of regioselectivity was observed, regardless of the electronic nature and size of the substituents on 1,3-dipoles.

Molecular Editing of Pyrroles via a Skeletal Recasting Strategy

Heterocyclic scaffolds are commonly found in numerous biologically active molecules, therapeutic agents, and agrochemicals. To probe chemical space around heterocycles, many powerful molecular editing strategies have been devised. Versatile C-H functionalization strategies allow for peripheral modifications of heterocyclic motifs, often being specific and taking place at multiple sites. The past few years have seen the quick emergence of exciting "single-atom skeletal editing" strategies, through one-atom deletion or addition, enabling ring contraction/expansion and structural diversification, as well as scaffold hopping. The construction of heterocycles via deconstruction of simple heterocycles is unknown. Herein, we disclose a new molecular editing method which we name the skeletal recasting strategy. Specifically, by tapping on the 1,3-dipolar property of azoalkenes, we recast simple pyrroles to fully substituted pyrroles, through a simple phosphoric acid-promoted one-pot reaction consisting of dearomative deconstruction and rearomative reconstruction steps. The reaction allows for easy access to synthetically challenging tetra-substituted pyrroles which are otherwise difficult to synthesize. Furthermore, we construct N-N axial chirality on our pyrrole products, as well as accomplish a facile synthesis of the anticancer drug, Sutent. The potential application of this method to other heterocycles has also been demonstrated.

Copper-catalyzed three-component annulation toward pyrroles via the cleavage of two C-C bonds in 1,3-dicarbonyls

The first copper-catalyzed three-component annulation of α,β-unsaturated ketoximes, 1,3-dicarbonyls and paraformaldehyde has been documented. This novel strategy achieved the two C-C bond cleavage of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds directly as a single-carbon synthon and provided a new and highly efficient method for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted pyrroles in moderate to good yields with broad functional group compatibility.

Atom-Economical Syntheses of Dihydropyrroles Using Flavin-Iodine-Catalyzed Aerobic Multistep and Multicomponent Reactions

Herein, we report facile, atom-economical syntheses of multisubstituted 2,3-dihydropyrroles using flavin-iodine-catalyzed aerobic oxidative multistep transformations of chalcones with β-enamine ketones or 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and amines. Exploiting coupled flavin-iodine catalysis, the multistep reaction, including C-C and C-N bond formation, is promoted only by the consumption of O₂ (1 atm), thus allowing aerobic oxidative synthesis that generates green H₂O as the only waste.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyran-2-Ones Organocatalyzed by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

In recent years, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) have gained recognition as versatile molecules capable of acting as organocatalysts in various reactions, particularly through the activation of aldehydes via Breslow-type adducts. This organocatalytic activation has enabled the production of numerous 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones and related derivatives. In this review, we provide an overview of the production of 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones and derivatives via organocatalytic processes involving NHCs over the past eight years. These processes involve the use of a diverse range of substrates, catalysts, and reaction conditions, which can be classified into [4+2]-and [3+3]-type cycloadditions, primarily aimed at synthesizing this skeleton due to its biological activity and multiple stereocenters. These processes are scaled up to the gram scale, and the resulting products are often directed towards epimerization and functionalization to produce more complex molecules with potential applications in the biological field. Finally, we provide a perspective and the future directions of this topic in organic synthesis.

Modular Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Pyrroles through a Four-Component Cyclization Strategy Using Ammonium Salt as the Nitrogen Source

A four-component synthesis of tetrasubstituted pyrroles was developed under metal-free conditions. The pyrrole ring was formed in one pot through [2 + 1 + 1 + 1] condensation using ammonium salt as the nitrogen source. In this strategy, 1,4-naphthoquinones and maleimides were used as the versatile C2 fragments to provide substituted benzo[f]isoindole-4,9-diones and pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3-diones, respectively. This work is highlighted by using ammonium salt as the nitrogen source, readily available starting materials and multibond formation (two C-C and two C-N bonds) in a single operation.

Naturally Occurring Organohalogen Compounds-A Comprehensive Review

The present volume is the third in a trilogy that documents naturally occurring organohalogen compounds, bringing the total number-from fewer than 25 in 1968-to approximately 8000 compounds to date. Nearly all of these natural products contain chlorine or bromine, with a few containing iodine and, fewer still, fluorine. Produced by ubiquitous marine (algae, sponges, corals, bryozoa, nudibranchs, fungi, bacteria) and terrestrial organisms (plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, higher animals) and universal abiotic processes (volcanos, forest fires, geothermal events), organohalogens pervade the global ecosystem. Newly identified extraterrestrial sources are also documented. In addition to chemical structures, biological activity, biohalogenation, biodegradation, natural function, and future outlook are presented.

Modular Synthesis of Highly Substituted 3-Azapyrroles by Rh(II)-Catalyzed N-H Bond Insertion and Cyclodehydration

A modular synthesis of highly substituted 3-azapyrroles has been developed using a three-step sequence comprising copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC), N-H bond insertion, and cyclodehydration. 1-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles (1-STs) can be accessed from common alkyne and sulfonyl azide building blocks by CuAAC using CuTC. Rhodium(II)-acetate-promoted 1-ST denitrogenation results in highly electrophilic rhodium azavinyl carbenes that, here, underwent insertion into the N-H bond of secondary α-aminoketones to form 1,2-aminoalkenes. These products were cyclized and dehydrated using BF₃·OEt₂ into highly substituted 3-azapyrroles. The three steps (CuAAC, N-H bond insertion, and cyclodehydration) could be telescoped into a one-pot process. The method proved to be highly efficient and tolerated a wide range of substituents.

Formal nucleophilic pyrrolylmethylation via palladium-based auto-tandem catalysis: switchable regiodivergent synthesis and remote chirality transfer

Although nucleophilic benzylation-type reaction to introduce various aromatic systems into molecules has been widely explored, the related pyrrolylmethylation version remains to be disclosed. Reported herein is a palladium-catalysed multiple auto-tandem reaction between N-Ts propargylamines, allyl carbonates and aldimines in the presence of an acid, proceeding through sequential allylic amination, cycloisomerisation, vinylogous addition and aromatisation steps. A diversity of formal pyrrolylmethylated amine products were finally furnished efficiently. In addition, switchable regiodivergent 3-pyrrolylmethylation and 4-pyrrolylmethylation were realised by tuning catalytic conditions. Moreover, remote chirality transfer with readily available enantioenriched starting materials was well achieved with an achiral ligand, relying on diastereoselective generation of η2-Pd(0) complexes between Pd(0) and chiral 1,3-diene intermediates in the key vinylogous addition step. A few control experiments were conducted to elucidate the palladium-involved tandem reaction and regiodivergent synthesis.

Chemical Investigations of Differentially Oxidized Polycylic Pyrroles from Bipolaris Fungi: Synthetic Entry Into the Bipolamine Alkaloids

indolizidine alkaloids of unusual biosynthetic origin have recently been characterized from several species of fungi within the Pleosporaceae family. Possessing distinct polycyclic architectures with two embedded electron-rich pyrroles as well as reported antibacterial activity against gram positive and negative pathogens, these natural products represent attractive targets for total synthesis. Herein we survey the differential functionalization of a chemically sensitive bispyrrole framework resulting in the preparation of multiple bipolamine alkaloids, work which sheds light on their innate chemical reactivity and potential biosynthetic relationships.

Cu(II)-catalyzed [4 + 1] and [4 + 3] annulation reactions: a modular approach to N-aryl/alkyl substituted 2,5-diamidopyrroles and diazepines

A one-pot copper-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation reaction of primary amines with ynamide-derived buta-1,3-diynes for the synthesis of 2,5-diamido bearing N-aryl/alkyl pyrroles in up to excellent yields has been showcased. A broad range of primary amines having highly reactive functional groups are well tolerated. Notably, sterically demanding aniline and primary aliphatic amines are excellent amine sources. Furthermore, the current protocol may yield structurally unique diazepine derivatives. The scale-up reaction and fruitful chemical elaboration of pyrrole motifs highlight the importance of this reaction.

Catalytic Friedel-Crafts Alkylative Desymmetrization of Cyclohexa-2,5-dienones: Access to Linear and Bridged Polycyclic Pyrroles and 3-Arylpyrroles

A catalytic [3 + 2]-cycloaddition/Friedel-Crafts alkylative desymmetrization strategy has been developed for the stereoselective construction of linear and bridged polycyclic pyrroles from alkynylcyclohexa-2,5-dienones. This strategy was further explored for the synthesis of 3-arylpyrroles under Brønsted acid catalysis. Reaction is highly chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective and is compatible with wide range of functionalized cyclohexa-2,5-dienones/pyrroles (>51 examples, ≤98% yields). Gram-scale synthesis and synthetic utility of the products have also been demonstrated to showcase the robustness of present method.

Total Synthesis of Bipolamine I

Indolizidine alkaloids have been the target of chemical and biological studies for decades, most recently highlighted by the isolation of the curvulamine and bipolamine polypyrrole-containing subclass. Herein we report a stereoselective 15-step synthesis of bipolamine I, a distinct member of the broader family, and through this work develop an intermediate that will serve to access other polypyrrole natural products and key analogues going forward.

Catalyst-free direct regiospecific multicomponent synthesis of C3-functionalized pyrroles

An operationally simple catalyst-free protocol for the direct regiospecific synthesis of β-(C3)-substituted pyrroles has been developed. The enamine intermediate, in situ generated from succinaldehyde and a primary amine, was trapped with activated carbonyls before the Paal-Knorr reaction in a direct multicomponent "just-mix" fashion to furnish pyrroles with overall good yields. Several C3-substituted N-alkyl/aryl/H pyrroles have been produced under open-flask conditions with high atom economy and avoiding protection-deprotection chemistry.

Recent advances in cascade reactions and their mechanistic insights: a concise strategy to synthesize complex natural products and organic scaffolds

The beauty of cascade reactions to bestow us with cumbersome organic scaffolds has made them a cutting-edge area of research. Although the planning of cascades may require intuition, their results can be highly impactful. The development of cascades to provide specific targeted molecules of an appropriate structural and stereochemical framework poses a significant challenge but can serve as one of the most impressive tools in organic synthesis. This review shares a broad interest in compiling cascade transformations towards the construction of polycyclic frameworks, induction of chirality/asymmetry in the protocol, etc. to solve diverse challenges in organic synthesis pursuits, as cascades enable the rapid and efficient construction of complex architectures from simple molecules. The studies highlighted herein manifest the utilization of a range of cascade reactions under various classifications for generating natural product skeletons such as palau'amine, benzosimuline, arcutinine, and others from simple building blocks, with emphasis on breakthroughs and potential for asymmetric synthesis. The exquisite synthetic designs of recently completed total synthesis of natural products with a focus on strategic concerns are also highlighted in this review.

Samarium(ii) iodide-mediated reactions applied to natural product total synthesis

Natural product synthesis remains a field in which new synthetic methods and reagents are continually being evaluated. Due to the demanding structures and complex functionality of many natural products, only powerful and selective methods and reagents will be highlighted in this proceeding. Since its introduction by Henri Kagan, samarium(ii) iodide (SmI2, Kagan's reagent) has found increasing use in chemical synthesis. Over the years, many reviews have been published on the application of SmI2 in numerous reductive coupling procedures as well as in natural product total synthesis. This review highlights recent advances in SmI2-mediated synthetic strategies, as applied in the total synthesis of natural products since 2004.

Modification of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines with Ammonium Acetate and Dimethyl Sulfoxide via Methylthiomethylation

An efficient methylthiomethylation of pyrroloisoquinolines and pyrroloquinolines has been reached by the use of ammonium acetate and dimethyl sulfoxide. Methylthiomethylated heterocycles can be obtained in moderate to good yields in most cases, while trace amounts to good yields of methylene-bridged products can be observed. Choice of DMSO activator and its amount have a great influence on the chemoselectivity of this process. It is worth noting that this process can also be scalable. Another feature of this process is that the product can be transformed to sulfone and sulfoxide easily.

Copper-catalyzed C-H/N-H annulation of enaminones and alkynyl esters for densely substituted pyrrole synthesis

Herein, the copper-catalyzed annulation of enaminones with alkynyl esters for the facile synthesis of different pyrroles with a 2,3,4,5-tetrasubstituted structure has been developed. With Cu(OAc)₂ as the only catalyst, the tunable synthesis of 2-vinyl and 2,3-dicarboxyl-functionalized pyrroles has been achieved by using terminal and internal alkynyl esters, respectively. The synthesis of 2-vinyl pyrroles represents the first example accessing 2-vinyl substituted pyrroles via direct cascade reactions involving vinylation and pyrrole ring formation.

Modular approach to non-aromatic and aromatic pyrroles through gold-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 2H-azirines and ynamides

The developed modular approach to hard-to-reach non-aromatic 3H- and 2H-pyrroles is based on the integration of 2H-azirines and ynamides.

BF3-promoted reactions of α-amino acetals with alkynes to 2,5-disubstituted pyrroles

An efficient BF3-promoted cyclization of α-amino acetals with alkynes for the assembly of substituted pyrroles has been developed. This cascade process can be easily achieved through a simple metal-free operation under mild conditions.

Synthesis of Unsymmetrically Tetrasubstituted Pyrroles and Studies of AIEE in Pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidine Derivatives

Pyrroles are among the most important heterocycles in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Construction of pyrrole scaffolds with different substituents and free NH group however, is challenging. Herein, a metal-free method for...

Two-pot synthesis and photophysical studies of 1,6-disubstituted 5-aza-indoles from succinaldehyde and N-aryl propargylic-imines

A two-pot synthesis of 5-aza-indoles has been developed from aqueous succinaldehyde and N-aryl propargylic-imines. This overall protocol involves: (i) the metal-free [3 + 2] annulation of aqueous succinaldehyde and N-aryl propargylic-imines to access 2-alkynyl-pyrrole-3-aldehydes and (ii) Ag-catalyzed 6-endo-dig-cyclization to obtain substituted 5-aza-indoles in the second pot. The 5-aza-indoles showed engaging photophysical activities, and the practicality of this pot-economic gram-scale synthesis has been demonstrated.

Synthesis of Pyrrolidine- and γ-Lactam-Containing Natural Products and Related Compounds from Pyrrole Scaffolds

Polycyclic alkaloid natural products featuring pyrrolidine and pyrrolidinone motifs remain enduring targets of total synthesis endeavors. Pyrrole and its derivatives have been exploited to access many such frameworks, including alkaloids belonging to the Aspidosperma, Stemona, and batzelladine families. In this article, a selection of exemplars that highlight the utility of pyrrole-based approaches to facilitate total syntheses of pyrrolidine- and pyrrolidinone-containing alkaloids and related molecules are showcased.

Trifluoroethanol as a Unique Additive for the Chemoselective Electrooxidation of Enamines to Access Unsymmetrically Substituted NH-Pyrroles

An electrochemical method for the synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted NH-pyrroles is described. The synthetic strategy comprises a challenging heterocoupling between two structurally diverse enamines via sequential chemoselective oxidation, addition, and cyclization processes. A series of aryl- and alkyl-substituted enamines were effectively cross-coupled from an equimolar mixture to synthesize various unsymmetrical pyrrole derivatives up to 84 % yield. The desired cross-coupling was achieved by tuning the oxidation potential of the enamines by utilizing a "magic effect" of the additive trifluoroethanol (TFE). Additionally, extensive computational studies reveal the unique role of TFE in promoting the heterocoupling process by regulating the activation energies of the reaction steps through H-bonding and C-H⋅⋅⋅π interactions. Importantly, the developed electrochemical protocol was found to be equally efficient for the homocoupling of enamines to form symmetric pyrroles up to 92 % yield.

Pd-catalyzed allylative dearomatisation using Grignard reagents

Pd-catalyzed allylative dearomatisation of naphthyl halides is shown to be feasible by employing Grignard reagents. The high reactivity of the nucleophile allows for fast reactions and low catalyst loading, while a plethora of successfully substituted compounds illustrate the broad scope. Five membered heteroaromatic compounds are also demonstrated to be reactive under similar conditions.

CF3CO2H-Catalyzed Synthesis of 3-Alkynylpyrrole Derivatives and Their Controlled Reduction

A transition-metal-free methodology employing nitroenynes and enaminones has been developed to access 3-alkynylpyrrole derivatives. This mild cyclization reaction might proceed through the nucleophilic addition, intramolecular cyclization, and the subsequent elimination processes. The protocol features a broad substrate scope, good selectivity, and functional group tolerance. Notably, the advantage of this method is also highlighted by the controlled reduction to generate alkenyl- or alkylpyrrole derivatives in good to excellent yields.

Tandem Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted NH Pyrroles from Simple Nitriles

An efficient tandem route to obtain tetrasubstituted NH pyrroles in a one-pot manner has been developed, staring from simple nitriles, ethyl bromoacetates, and zinc. This reaction involves oxidative dimerization of the zinc bromide complex of β-enaminoesters using cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN) as an oxidant, affording 2,3,4,5-tetrasubstituted pyrroles in yields up to 91%.

Recent advances in the tandem annulation of 1,3-enynes to functionalized pyridine and pyrrole derivatives

Great progress has been made in the tandem annulation of enynes in the past few years. This review only presents the corresponding reactions of 1,3-enyne structural motifs to provide the functionalized pyridine and pyrrole derivatives. The functionalization reactions cover iodination, bromination, trifluoromethylation, azidation, carbonylation, arylation, alkylation, selenylation, sulfenylation, amidation, esterification, and hydroxylation. We also briefly introduce the applications of the products and the reaction mechanisms for the synthesis of corresponding N-heterocycles.

K2S2O8-Mediated Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Pyrroles via Oxidative Self-Dimerization of N-Propargylamines

An efficient methodology has been developed for the synthesis of tetra- and pentasubstituted pyrroles via oxidative self-dimerization of N-propargylamines catalyzed by silver benzoate in the presence of K₂S₂O₈ in good yields. The protocol provides a simple route for the synthesis of both tetra- and pentasubstituted pyrroles with two carbonyl groups in the side chain. The methodology can be extended toward the synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazine.

A sustainable C-H functionalization of indoles, pyrroles and furans under a blue LED with iodonium ylides

Pyrrole and indole derivatives are functionalized via a green initiative with the dimethyl malonate derived phenyl iodonium ylide 4a in the presence of a blue LED via C-H functionalization of the respective heterocycles in methanol to generate the desired compounds 5-7 in moderate to good yields. Control experiments provide insight into the probable reaction mechanism. Finally, the strategy is successfully applied in the generation of azepino[4,5-b]indole 12a/b.