Photocatalytic cyclization reaction of 2-vinylarylamines with CF3SO2Na and arylaldehydes to access 3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-3H-indoles

Abstract

A visible-light-catalyzed three-component cyclization reaction of 2-vinylarylamines with CF₃SO₂Na and arylaldehydes is developed to build a series of 3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-3H-indoles. This protocol features mild reaction conditions using an 18 W blue LED as the light source at room temperature. The desired 3H-indole products can be successfully transformed into valuable tetrahydroindole scaffolds through either reduction or cross-coupling reactions. Furthermore, the fluorescence properties of the products make them potential candidates for optical materials.