Asymmetric Friedel-Crafts reaction of 4,7-dihydroindoles with nitroolefins by chiral Brønsted acids under low catalyst loading

Chemistry. 2009;15(14):3351-4. doi: 10.1002/chem.200900033.

Abstract

Slowly does it! By adding the substrate by a syringe pump, a highly efficient Friedel-Crafts reaction of 4,7-dihydroindoles with nitroolefins was realized with 0.5 mol % of a chiral phosphoric acid. The Friedel-Crafts alkylation, together with a subsequent oxidation of the product, led to 2-substituted indoles in excellent enantiomeric excesses, which can be easily transformed to enantioenriched tetrahydro-gamma-carbolines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Indoles / chemistry*
  • Phosphoric Acids / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Indoles
  • Phosphoric Acids
  • phosphoric acid