Diastereoselective Access to Triazolo[1,2- a]indolines via a Bio-Inspired Oxidative Cyclization of NH-Indoles

J Org Chem. 2022 Nov 18;87(22):15114-15119. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c01593. Epub 2022 Oct 6.

Abstract

Establishing three-dimensional chemicals by using the C2-C3 π bond of indoles has always been a research hotspot in organic synthesis; however, employing the oxidative C2-C3 π bond of indoles to generate imine which would lead to the N1-C2 π bond cyclization under metal-free conditions is still rare. Here, we report a bio-inspired synthesis of triazolo[1,2-a]indolines by the oxidative cyclization between NH-indoles and azomethine imines with 3,3-dimethyldioxirane as the sole oxidant under metal-free and mild conditions. This finding represents an elegant instance of tri-functionalization of NH-indoles, which provides rapid access to a broad range of triazolo[1,2-a]indolines with tetrahydroisoquinolines in one single step. Up to 86% yield and above 20:1 dr value are observed. The radical mechanism and proton migration process have been speculated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Cyclization
  • Imines*
  • Indoles* / chemistry
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress

Substances

  • indoline
  • Indoles
  • Imines