Rh(III)-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Annulation via C-H Activation: Direct Access to Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Indenamines and Aminoindanes.

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct C-H addition and annulation of benzimidates and aldimines with β-(trifluoromethyl)-α,β-unsaturated ketones is described. This protocol provides the facile and efficient formation of various trifluoromethyl-containing indenamines or aminoindanes in moderate to high yields.