Highly enantioselective iron(II)-catalyzed opening reaction of aromatic meso-epoxides with indoles

Org Biomol Chem. 2013 Nov 21;11(43):7463-6. doi: 10.1039/c3ob41782d.

Abstract

A highly enantioselective method for the catalytic cis-stilbene oxide opening reaction with indole derivatives was developed. The scope of the reaction was studied with a selection of aromatic meso-epoxides and various indoles, and the desired 2-(indol-3-yl)ethanol derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields with excellent enantioselectivities (from 96 to >99% ee).