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Synlett
DOI: 10.1055/a-2803-0467
DOI: 10.1055/a-2803-0467
Synpacts
Cobalt-Catalyzed Electroreductive Cross-Coupling for the Synthesis of Atropisomeric 3-Arylindoles
Authors
Supported by: NSF of China 22101294,22361142834,22425111
Supported by: Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences XDA0540000, XDB0610000
Supported by: S&TCSM of Shanghai 21ZR1476500, 25ZR1401384
Funding Information This work was financially supported by NSF of China (22425111, 22361142834, and 22101294), National Key R&D Program of China (2021YFA1500100), the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA0540000, XDB0610000), and S&TCSM of Shanghai (21ZR1476500, 25ZR1401384).
Abstract
The synthesis of atropisomeric 3-arylindoles via transition metal-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling remains challenging due to their intrinsically low rotational barriers and the comparable electronic characteristics of the two coupling partners. Herein, we present a cobalt-catalyzed enantioselective electroreductive cross-coupling between indole bromides and aryl iodides. This method enables efficient access to atropisomeric 3-arylindoles with high chemo- and enantioselectivities. Notably, it successfully addresses the challenges posed by indole substrates lacking electron-withdrawing groups at the 2-position.
Publication History
Received: 17 November 2025
Accepted after revision: 02 February 2026
Accepted Manuscript online:
05 February 2026
Article published online:
16 February 2026
© 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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