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 products provide the potential candidates for optical materials.