Rh–IndOlefOx catalyzed conjugate addition/Heck-type coupling of organoboronics to a lactam or a lactone

Four indole-olefin-oxazoline (IndOlefOx) ligands were synthesized and evaluated in Rh-catalyzed reactions between organoboronics and a lactam or a lactone. In addition to the expected conjugate addition products, the formation of significant amounts of Heck-type products was observed. The scope and limitations of these reactions were investigated.