A three-component iodine-catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction: a heterodifunctionalization of 3-methylindoles

Abstract

A metal-free method for the synthesis of heterodifunctional indole derivatives is developed through TBHP/KI-mediated oxidative coupling. The reaction constructs C–O and C–C bonds in succession with the help of tert-butyl peroxy radicals generated by the TBHP/KI catalytic system, enabling the direct realization of the heterodifunctionalization of indole in one pot. The product of this reaction is a novel heterodifunctional compound. This work might provide a new effective method for the synthesis of polycyclic indole compounds.