Metal-free catalyzed oxidative trimerization of indoles by using TEMPO in air: a biomimetic approach to 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2,3'-biindolin-3-ones

Org Biomol Chem. 2012 Nov 28;10(44):8814-21. doi: 10.1039/c2ob26390d.

Abstract

A simple, convenient and efficient metal-free catalyzed oxidative trimeric reaction of indoles toward a variety of 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2,3'-biindolin-3-one derivatives in moderate to excellent yields has been developed. This transformation proceeds via a tandem oxidative homocoupling reaction by using TEMPO in air as an environmentally benign oxidant. This methodology provides an alternative approach for the direct generation of all-carbon quaternary centers at the C3 position of indoles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetics / methods*
  • Catalysis
  • Cyclic N-Oxides / chemistry*
  • Indoles / chemical synthesis
  • Indoles / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Oxidants / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction

Substances

  • Cyclic N-Oxides
  • Indoles
  • Oxidants
  • indoline
  • TEMPO