Regioselective C3Alkylation of Indoles for the Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes and 3-Styryl Indoles

J Org Chem. 2024 Feb 2;89(3):1846-1857. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02551. Epub 2024 Jan 12.

Abstract

Herein, we describe an efficient transition-metal-free regioselective C3alkylation of indoles for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes and 3-styryl indoles. Nitrobenzene is employed as the oxidant to oxidize the alcohols in the presence of a strong base and the reaction avoids the use of transition metals such as Ru and Mn. The protocol provides a favorable route to access biologically active compounds such as arundine, vibrindole A, and turbomycin B.