Cu-Catalyzed synthesis of spiroimidazole derivatives via an indolyl mediated cyclization–rearrangement reaction

Abstract

A novel Cu-catalyzed synthesis of structurally valuable spiroimidazole derivatives from 2-(indol-3-yl)cyclohexanones and amidines via an indolyl mediated cyclization–rearrangement reaction is described. The present approach features advantages including easily available starting materials, mild reaction conditions, gram-scale synthesis and high atom economy, providing convenient access to spiroimidazole derivatives.