Construction of a Pentacyclic Framework Enabled by Nickel Catalysis

Org Lett. 2023 Feb 3;25(4):647-652. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c04228. Epub 2023 Jan 22.

Abstract

We present a novel nickel-catalyzed reaction of indole-tethered 2-alkynylphenol esters with various (hetero)aryl boronic acids, resulting in the synthesis of diversely functionalized pentacyclic benzofurocyclohepta[b]indole derivatives. This unprecedented cascade reaction involves the arylative cyclization of alkynes, nucleophilic attack of the indole moiety on the oxonium ion intermediate, 1,2-alkyl group migration, and aromatization. The synthesized molecules exhibit exceptional cytotoxicity against multiple cancer cell lines while maintaining biocompatibility toward healthy cells.