Dearomatization Reactions of Indoles to Access 3D Indoline Structures

Visible-Light-Induced Dearomative Annulation of Indoles toward Stereoselective Formation of Fused- and Spiro Indolines

Dearomatization approaches are attractive for their abilities to transform simple, planar arenes into complex, three-dimensional architectures. In particular, visible-light driven dearomatization strategies are significant because of their mild, green, and sustainable nature, enabling the fabrication of new chemical bonds via an electron transfer or energy transfer process. Indole compounds, being potentially bioactive and readily accessible, can be employed efficiently as building blocks for constructing diverse annulated frameworks under photocatalysis. Highly stereoselective radical cascade reactions of appropriate indole systems can provide complex cyclic scaffolds bearing multiple stereocenters. In fact, the past few years have witnessed the renaissance of dearomative cycloadditions of indoles via visible-light-induced photocatalysis. The present review highlights recent advances (2019-mid 2024) in visible-light-driven dearomative annulation of indoles leading to formation of polycyclic indolines, including angularly fused and spiro indolines. Most of the reactions described in this review are simple, providing quick access to the desired products. Additionally, characteristic reaction mechanisms are offered to provide an understand of how indole scaffolds show distinctive reactivity under photocatalytic conditions.

Synthesis of indolines via palladium-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation of (2-aminophenyl)methanols with sulfoxonium ylides

A facile strategy for the synthesis of valuable indolines has been developed, involving a palladium(II)/Brønsted acid co-catalyzed annulation of readily available (2-aminophenyl)methanols and sulfoxonium ylides. This protocol allows for the direct utilization of the OH group as a leaving group, tolerates alkyl and aryl groups on the N atom of the aniline moiety, operates under mild reaction conditions, and exhibits good efficiency.

A divergent intermediate strategy yields biologically diverse pseudo-natural products

The efficient exploration of biologically relevant chemical space is essential for the discovery of bioactive compounds. A molecular design principle that possesses both biological relevance and structural diversity may more efficiently lead to compound collections that are enriched in diverse bioactivities. Here the diverse pseudo-natural product (PNP) strategy, which combines the biological relevance of the PNP concept with synthetic diversification strategies from diversity-oriented synthesis, is reported. A diverse PNP collection was synthesized from a common divergent intermediate through developed indole dearomatization methodologies to afford three-dimensional molecular frameworks that could be further diversified via intramolecular coupling and/or carbon monoxide insertion. In total, 154 PNPs were synthesized representing eight different classes. Cheminformatic analyses showed that the PNPs are structurally diverse between classes. Biological investigations revealed the extent of diverse bioactivity enrichment of the collection in which four inhibitors of Hedgehog signalling, DNA synthesis, de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis and tubulin polymerization were identified from four different PNP classes.

Discovery of a Novel Pseudo-Natural Product Aurora Kinase Inhibitor Chemotype through Morphological Profiling

The pseudo-natural product (pseudo-NP) concept aims to combine NP fragments in arrangements that are not accessible through known biosynthetic pathways. The resulting compounds retain the biological relevance of NPs but are not yet linked to bioactivities and may therefore be best evaluated by unbiased screening methods resulting in the identification of unexpected or unprecedented bioactivities. Herein, various NP fragments are combined with a tricyclic core connectivity via interrupted Fischer indole and indole dearomatization reactions to provide a collection of highly three-dimensional pseudo-NPs. Target hypothesis generation by morphological profiling via the cell painting assay guides the identification of an unprecedented chemotype for Aurora kinase inhibition with both its relatively highly 3D structure and its physicochemical properties being very different from known inhibitors. Biochemical and cell biological characterization indicate that the phenotype identified by the cell painting assay corresponds to the inhibition of Aurora kinase B.

Asymmetric Brominative Dearomatization of 2-Naphthols Using a Cinchona Alkaloid-Based Organocatalyst

A cinchona alkaloid-based organocatalyst enables asymmetric brominative dearomatization of 2-naphthols, providing the corresponding bromonaphthalenones with high enantioselectivities. The first metal-free reaction can accommodate a variety of functional groups and give useful frameworks bearing a Br-containing tetrasubstituted stereogenic center.

Silver-Enabled Dearomative Trifluoromethoxylation of Indoles

The only known method for the dearomative trifluoromethoxylation of indoles is preliminary, with only one substrate successfully undergoing the reaction. In this study, we not only developed a broadly applicable method for indole dearomative trifluoromethoxylation but also achieved divergent trifluoromethoxylation by fine-tuning the reaction conditions. Under optimized conditions, with a silver salt and an easily handled OCF3 reagent, various indoles smoothly underwent dearomatization to afford a diverse array of ditrifluoromethoxylated indolines in 50-84% isolated yields with up to 37:1 diastereoselectivity, and fluorinated trifluoromethoxylated indolines were obtained with exclusive trans selectivity. In addition, the reaction conditions were compatible with other heteroaromatic rings as well as styrene moieties.

Intermolecular Formal Cycloaddition of Indoles with Bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes by Lewis Acid Catalysis

Herein, we develop a new approach to directly access architecturally complex polycyclic indolines from readily available indoles and bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) through formal cycloaddition promoted by commercially available Lewis acids. The reaction proceeded through a stepwise pathway involving a nucleophilic addition of indoles to BCBs followed by an intramolecular Mannich reaction to form rigid indoline-fused polycyclic structures, which resemble polycyclic indole alkaloids. This new reaction tolerated a wide range of indoles and BCBs, thereby allowing the one-step construction of various rigid indoline polycycles containing up to four contiguous quaternary carbon centers.

Aryldiazonium Salt-Triggered [2 + 2 + 1] Heteroannulation of Indoles by an Arylhydrazone Radical-Relayed 1,5-Hydrogen Atom Transfer

An unprecedented three-component [2 + 2 + 1] annulation cascade of indoles with aryldiazonium salts and polyhalomethanes or acetone is presented by dual hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and C-H functionalization. By employing readily accessible aryldiazonium salts as the radical initiators and electrophiles and polyhalomethanes and acetone as the C1 units, this method unprecedentedly constructs a pyrazole ring on an indole ring skeleton through the formation of two C-N bonds and a C-C bond in a single reaction.

Nickel-Catalyzed Enantioselective Dearomative Heck-Reductive Allylic Defluorination Reaction of Indoles

Herein, we describe a nickel-catalyzed asymmetric dearomative aryl-difluoroallylation reaction of indoles with α-trifluoromethyl alkenes as an electrophilic coupling partner. The reaction proceeds via a cascade sequence involving dearomative Heck cyclization and reductive allylic defluorination. A series of gem-difluoroallyl substituted indolines are obtained in moderate to good yields (36-77% yield) with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee). The reaction features broad functional group tolerance, scaled-up synthesis, and late-stage diversification.

Translating Planar Heterocycles into Three-Dimensional Analogs by Photoinduced Hydrocarboxylation

The rapid preparation of complex three-dimensional (3D) heterocyclic scaffolds is a key challenge in modern medicinal chemistry. Despite the increased probability of clinical success for small molecule therapeutic candidates with increased 3D complexity, new drug targets remain dominated by flat molecules due to the abundance of coupling reactions available for their construction. In principle, heteroarene hydrofunctionalization reactions offer an opportunity to transform readily accessible planar molecules into more three-dimensionally complex analogs through the introduction of a single molecular vector. Unfortunately, dearomative hydrofunctionalization reactions remain limited. Herein, we report a new strategy to enable the dearomative hydrocarboxylation of indoles and related heterocycles. This reaction represents a rare example of a heteroarene hydrofunctionalization that meets the numerous requirements for broad implementation in drug discovery. The transformation is highly chemoselective, broad in scope, operationally simple, and readily amenable to high-throughput experimentation (HTE). Accordingly, this process will allow existing libraries of heteroaromatic compounds to be translated into diverse 3D analogs and enable exploration of new classes of medicinally relevant molecules.

Mechanistic duality of indolyl 1,3-heteroatom transposition

A novel mechanistic duality has been revealed from the indolyl 1,3-heteroatom transposition (IHT) of N-hydroxyindole derivatives. A series of in-depth mechanistic investigations suggests that two separate mechanisms are operating simultaneously. Moreover, the relative contribution of each mechanistic pathway, the energy barrier for each pathway, and the identity of the primary pathway were shown to be the functions of the electronic properties of the substrate system. Based on the mechanistic understanding obtained, a mechanism-driven strategy for the general and efficient introduction of a heteroatom at the 3-position of indole has been developed. The reaction developed exhibits a broad substrate scope to provide the products in various forms of the functionalised indole. Moreover, the method is applicable to the introduction of both oxygen- and nitrogen-based functional groups.

Synthesis of Spiro[indole-3,3'-pyrrolidine]-2'-(thi)ones

Spiro[indole-3,3'-pyrrolidine]-2'-ones were synthesized via one-pot chloroformylation-dearomatizing spirocyclization of tryptamine derivatives. Moreover, the "thio" equivalent spiro[indole-3,3'-pyrrolidine]-2'-thiones, for which the synthesis and properties were previously unreported, were synthesized. The procedures are easily implemented, have a broad scope, and are transition-metal-free and cheap. To demonstrate the utility of the synthetic methodology, the spiro[indole-3,3'-pyrrolidine]-2'-ones were converted into heterocyclic scaffolds, such as an optically active spiroindoline and spirooxindole.

Dearomative (3+2) Cycloadditions between Indoles and Vinyldiazo Species Enabled by a Red-Shifted Chromium Photocatalyst

A direct dearomative photocatalyzed (3+2) cycloaddition between indoles and vinyldiazo reagents is described. The transformation is enabled by the development of a novel oxidizing CrIII photocatalyst, its specific reactivity attributed to increased absorptive properties over earlier Cr analogs and greater stability than Ru counterparts. A variety of fused indoline compounds are synthesized using this method, including densely functionalized ring systems that are feasible due to base-free conditions. Experimental insights corroborate a cycloaddition initiated by nucleophilic attack at C3 of the indole radical cation by the vinyldiazo species.

Unbiased C3-Electrophilic Indoles: Triflic Acid Mediated C3-Regioselective Hydroarylation of N-H Indoles

The direct dearomative addition of arenes to the C3 position of unprotected indoles is reported under operationally simple conditions, using triflic acid at room temperature. The present regioselective hydroarylation is a straightforward manner to generate an electrophilic indole at the C3 position from unbiased indoles in sharp contrast to previous strategies. This atom-economical method delivers biologically relevant 3-arylindolines and 3,3-spiroindolines in high yields and regioselectivities from both intra- and intermolecular processes. DFT computations suggest the stabilization of cationic or dicationic intermediates with H-bonded (TfOH)n clusters.

Dearomative (3 + 2) Cycloadditions of Unprotected Indoles

The (3 + 2) cycloaddition of various indoles with a dithioallyl cation affords dearomatized cyclopentannulated adducts, with complete control of regioselectivity and excellent chemo- and diastereoselectivity. The success of the reaction critically relies on the use of an excess of very strong Brønsted acid, which paradoxically prevents carbocationic side reactions. The reaction tolerates sensitive functionalities such as basic amines or free hydroxyls, and we demonstrate its use in late stage derivatization of highly functionalized, unprotected indoles.

Hypoiodite-Catalyzed Oxidative Umpolung of Indoles for Enantioselective Dearomatization

Here we report the oxidative umpolung of 2,3-disubstituted indoles toward enantioselective dearomative aza-spirocyclization to give the corresponding spiroindolenines using chiral quaternary ammonium hypoiodite catalysis. Mechanistic studies revealed the umpolung reactivity of C3 of indoles by iodination of the indole nitrogen atom. Moreover, the introduction of pyrazole as an electron-withdrawing auxiliary group at C2 suppressed a competitive dissociative racemic pathway, and enantioselective spirocyclization proceeded to give not only spiropyrrolidines but also four-membered spiroazetidines that are otherwise difficult to access.

Photons or Electrons? A Critical Comparison of Electrochemistry and Photoredox Catalysis for Organic Synthesis

Redox processes are at the heart of synthetic methods that rely on either electrochemistry or photoredox catalysis, but how do electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis compare? Both approaches provide access to high energy intermediates (e.g., radicals) that enable bond formations not constrained by the rules of ionic or 2 electron (e) mechanisms. Instead, they enable 1e mechanisms capable of bypassing electronic or steric limitations and protecting group requirements, thus enabling synthetic chemists to disconnect molecules in new and different ways. However, while providing access to similar intermediates, electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis differ in several physical chemistry principles. Understanding those differences can be key to designing new transformations and forging new bond disconnections. This review aims to highlight these differences and similarities between electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis by comparing their underlying physical chemistry principles and describing their impact on electrochemical and photochemical methods.

Electrochemical oxidative rearrangement of tetrahydro-β-carbolines in a zero-gap flow cell

Oxidative rearrangement of tetrahydro-β-carbolines (THβCs) is one of the most efficient methods for the synthesis of biologically active spirooxindoles, including natural products and drug molecules. Here, we report the first electrochemical approach to achieve this important organic transformation in a flow cell. The key to the high efficiency was the use of a multifunctional LiBr electrolyte, where the bromide (Br⁻) ion acts as a mediator and catalyst and lithium ion (Li⁺) acts as a likely hydrophilic spectator, which might considerably reduce diffusion of THβCs into the double layer and thus prevent possible nonselective electrode oxidation of indoles. Additionally, we build a zero-gap flow cell to speed up mass transport and minimize concentration polarization, simultaneously achieving a high faradaic efficiency (FE) of 96% and an outstanding productivity of 0.144 mmol (h⁻¹ cm⁻²). This electrochemical method is demonstrated with twenty substrates, offering a general, green path towards bioactive spirooxindoles without using hazardous oxidants.

A zero-gap flow cell was designed for the first electro-oxidative rearrangement of tetrahydro-β-carbolines to spirooxindoles with high yield, faradaic efficiency and productivity when LiBr was discovered as a bi-functional mediator and catalyst.

Iron-Catalyzed Reductive Cyclization by Hydromagnesiation: A Modular Strategy Towards N-Heterocycles

A reductive cyclization to prepare a variety of N-heterocycles, through the use of ortho-vinylanilides, is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by an inexpensive and bench-stable iron complex and generally occurs at ambient temperature. The transformation likely proceeds through hydromagnesiation of the vinyl group, and trapping of the in situ generated benzylic anion by an intramolecular electrophile to form the heterocycle. This iron-catalyzed strategy was shown to be broadly applicable and was utilized in the synthesis of substituted indoles, oxindoles and tetrahydrobenzoazepinoindolone derivatives. Mechanistic studies indicated that the reversibility of the hydride transfer step depends on the reactivity of the tethered electrophile. The synthetic utility of our approach was further demonstrated by the formal synthesis of a reported bioactive compound and a family of natural products.

Construction of bridged polycycles through dearomatization strategies

Bridged polycycles are privileged molecular skeletons with wide occurrence in bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, they have been the pursing target molecules of numerous chemists. The rapid and convenient generation of sp3-rich complex three-dimensional molecular skeletons from simple and easily available aromatics has made dearomatization a highly valuable synthetic tool for the construction of rigid and challenging bridged rings. This review summarizes the-state-of-the-art advances of dearomatization strategies in the application of bridged ring formation, discusses their advantages and limitations and the in-depth mechanism, and highlights their synthetic value in the total synthesis of natural products. We wish this review will provide an important reference for medicinal and synthetic chemists and will inspire further development in this intriguing research area.

Hypoiodite-Catalyzed Chemoselective Tandem Oxidation of Homotryptamines to Peroxy- and Epoxytetrahydropyridoindolenines

We developed the hypoiodite-catalyzed tandem dearomative peroxycyclization of homotryptamine derivatives to peroxytetrahydropyridoindolenines under mild conditions. During the course of a mechanistic study, we found that a tandem oxidative cyclization/epoxidation as an unexpected reaction proceeded in the presence of TEMPO as an additive. Intramolecular oxidative aminocyclization of homotryptamines at the C-2 position would give tetrahydropyridoindole, a common intermediate for both reactions. Control experiments suggested that while oxidative coupling with TBHP at the C-3 position might afford peroxyindolenines, a preferential electrophilic addition of TEMPO⁺, which might be generated in situ by the hypoiodite-catalyzed oxidation of TEMPO, at C-3 position followed by elimination and epoxidation might give epoxyindolenines. This serendipitous finding prompted us to develop a chemoselective divergent synthesis of peroxy- and epoxyindolenines by simple modification of the reaction conditions.