Molybdenum-catalyzed synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indoles via imine condensation and C(sp2)–H insertion

Abstract

We describe a molybdenum-catalyzed deoxygenative annulation of 2-aminobenzophenones and aldehydes to access 2,3-disubstituted indoles. The readily available substrates showed good functional group tolerance, and gram-scale indole preparation could be achieved. A mechanism involving imine condensation and Mo-carbene insertion into the C(sp²)–H bond has been proposed.