Synthesis of indoles using visible light: photoredox catalysis for palladium-catalyzed C-H activation

Abstract

A combined palladium- and photoredox-catalyzed C-H olefination enables the synthesis of indoles. By using visible light, the direct C-H activation of aromatic enamines can be achieved and a variety of indole derivatives can be obtained in good yields under mild reaction conditions.

Keywords: CH functionalization; Heck reaction; photocatalysis; superoxide.