Rh(iii)-catalyzed regioselective C-H activation dialkenylation/annulation cascade for rapid access to 6 H -isoindolo[2,1- a ]indole.

6 H -isoindolo[2,1- a ]indoles were accessed via a Rh(iii)-catalyzed N-H free indole directed C-H activation dialkenylation/annulation cascade in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol also features: reaction procedures that are insensitive to air and moisture, excellent regioselectivity and good functional group tolerance.