Pd-catalyzed efficient synthesis of benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]indoles with diaziridinone

Abstract

This work describes an efficient Pd-catalyzed synthesis of benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]indoles from readily available 1-(2-iodophenyl)-1H-indoles and di-t-butyldiaziridinone. A variety of benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]indoles can be obtained in up to 96% yield. The reaction likely proceeds via an intramolecular aryl C–H activation to form a pallada(II)cycle, which is subsequently bisaminated with di-t-butyldiaziridinone.