Synthetically attractive indolization processes and newer methods for the preparation of selectively substituted indoles

Cu-Mediated Tandem 2,3-Disubstituted Indole Synthesis from Simple Anilines and Internal Alkynes via C-H Annulation

A simple, cost-effective, and straightforward method for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indole scaffolds has been developed. The present protocol involves copper-mediated tandem hydroamination followed by C-H annulation of unprotected anilines with a wide range of internal alkynes. In the presence of Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), the reaction proceeds well to afford a variety of substituted indole derivatives in moderate to good yields. This process was found to be compatible with both primary and secondary anilines coupled with aromatic/aliphatic alkynes. High-purity copper nanoparticles can be recovered after the reaction, revealing the cost-effectiveness and environmentally benign feature of the current protocol.

Highly regioselective and diastereoselective synthesis of novel pyrazinoindolones via a base-mediated Ugi-N-alkylation sequence

An efficient base-mediated/metal-free approach has been developed for the synthesis of 1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[1,2-a]indole-3-carboxamide derivatives via intramolecular indole N-H alkylation of novel bis-amide Ugi-adducts. In this protocol the Ugi reaction of (E)-cinnamaldehyde derivatives, 2-chloroaniline, indole-2-carboxylic acid and different isocyanides was designed for the preparation of bis-amides. The main highlight of this study is the practical and highly regioselective preparation of new polycyclic functionalized pyrazino derivatives. This system is facilitated by Na₂CO₃ mediation in DMSO and 100 °C conditions.

Synthesis and Reactions of 3-Halogenated 2-CF3-Indoles

Halogenation of 2-trifluoromethylindole afforded 3-chloro-, 3-bromo- and 3-iodo derivatives in up to 98% yield. Methyl-, benzyl- and tosyl-groups can be installed at the nitrogen atom of prepared indoles in high yields by base catalyzed reaction with the corresponding alkylating (sulfonylating) reagents. A high synthetic utility of the prepared haloindoles in the reaction with various nucleophilies was shown. The reaction with 4-methylthiophenol and copper cyanide afforded the corresponding sulfides and nitriles in high yield. Palladium catalyzed cross-coupling with phenyl boronic acid and phenylacetylene gave the corresponding 3-phenyl-2-CF₃-indoles and acetylenic derivatives in 72-98% yield.

2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol-mediated hydroarylation of fluorinated alkynes with indoles: Application to diindolylmethanes

A new mild and practically simple alkyne hydroarylation protocol for the synthesis of 3-(indol-3-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid esters by the reaction of indole derivatives with ethyl/methyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-(indol-3-yl)but-2-enoates in trifluoroethanol was developed. This method has the following advantages: no catalyst, atom economy, high yields, broad substrate scope, and large-scale synthesis. The potential application of this protocol was further demonstrated by the synthesis of a variety of CF₃ -substituted synthons and a new class of (un)symmetrical 3,3'-diindolylmethanes with a quaternary carbon core that might be biologically active.

An Efficient Approach to 2-CF3-Indoles Based on ortho-Nitrobenzaldehydes

The catalytic olefination reaction of 2-nitrobenzaldehydes with CF3CCl3 afforded stereoselectively trifluoromethylated ortho-nitrostyrenes in up to 88% yield. The reaction of these alkenes with pyrrolidine permits preparation of α-CF3-β-(2-nitroaryl) enamines. Subsequent one pot reduction of nitro-group by Fe-AcOH-H2O system initiated intramolecular cyclization to afford 2-CF3-indoles. Target products can be prepared in up to 85% yields. Broad synthetic scope of the reaction was shown as well as some followed up transformations of 2- CF3-indole.

An Efficient Synthesis of 2-CF3-3-Benzylindoles

The reaction of α-CF₃-β-(2-nitroaryl) enamines with benzaldehydes afforded effectively α,β-diaryl-CF₃-enones having nitro group. Subsequent reduction of nitro group by NH₄HCO₂-Pd/C system initiated intramolecular cyclization to give 2-CF₃-3-benzylindoles. Target products can be prepared in up to quantitative yields. Broad synthetic scope of the reaction was shown. Probable mechanism of indole formation is proposed.

Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane-Catalyzed Formal Cyanoalkylation of Indoles with Cyanohydrins

Despite the significant achievements related to the C3 functionalization of indoles, cyanoalkylation reactions continue to remain rather limited. We herein report on the formal C3 cyanoalkylation of indoles with cyanohydrins in the presence of a tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C₆F₅)₃) catalyst. It is noteworthy that cyanohydrins are used as a cyanoalkylating reagent in the present reaction, even though they are usually used as only a HCN source. Mechanistic investigations revealed the unique reactivity of the B(C₆F₅)₃ catalyst in promoting the decomposition of a cyanohydrin by a Lewis acidic activation through the coordination of the cyano group to the boron center. In addition, a catalytic three-component reaction using indoles, aldehydes as a carbon unit, and acetone cyanohydrin that avoids the discrete preparation of each aldehyde-derived cyanohydrin is also reported. The developed methods provide straightforward, highly efficient, and atom-economic access to various types of synthetically useful indole-3-acetonitrile derivatives containing α-tertiary or quaternary carbon centers.

Chemistry of 3-hydroxy-2-aryl acrylate: syntheses, mechanisms, and applications

3-Hydroxy-2-aryl acrylate is important scaffold which is widely used for the synthesis of pharmacologically active compounds. This review summarises the synthetic methods of the 3-hydroxy-2-aryl acrylate including mechanisms and applications.

A highly active and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of indole and phenyl ether

A new simple catalytic system consisting of copper-aluminium and hydrotalcite (CuAl–HT) has been developed using a facile one-pot method without harm to the environment.

Copper-mediated fluoroalkylation reactions with iododifluoroacetamides: controlling the selectivity among cross-coupling, intramolecular cyclization, and homocoupling reactions

Cu-mediated fluoroalkylation reactions with iododifluoroacetamides 1 have been systematically investigated. It was found that three types of reactions may coexist in Cu-mediated reactions between iododifluoroacetamides and aryl/alkenyl iodides: cross-coupling, intramolecular cyclization, and homocoupling reactions. The selectivity among these three types of reactions could be controlled by tuning the substituents on the nitrogen atom of iododifluoroacetamides, and/or by removing the cross-coupling reaction partner (aryl/alkenyl halides). The general rule is as follows: (a) in the presence of proper aryl/alkenyl iodides, the cross-coupling products 2 (or 6) are generally formed as the major products; (b) in the absence of aryl/alkenyl iodides, and when R(1) = alkyl and R(2) = aryl groups, or when R(1) = R(2) = aryl groups, the intramolecular cyclization products 3 can be formed predominantly; and (c) in the absence of aryl/alkenyl iodides, and when R(1) = R(2) = alkyl groups, or when R(1) = H and R(2) = alkyl, aryl groups, the homocoupling products 4 can be formed dominantly. Our experimental results also indicate that in many cases when cross-coupling, homocoupling, and intramolecular cyclization reactions coexist in the Cu-mediated reaction system, the reactivity decreases in the following order: cross-coupling > intramolecular cyclization > homocoupling.

A flexible synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indoles from aminobenzyl phosphonium salts. A direct synthesis of rutaecarpine

The reaction of substituted (2-aminobenzyl)triphenylphosphonium bromides with aromatic aldehydes or alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes constitutes a new synthesis of 2,3-disubstitued indoles in high yields. The adduct from 4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazoline-2-carbaldehyde was an advanced intermediate in the synthesis of several rutaecarpines.