An efficient dehydrative nucleophilic substitution reaction of C3-substituted2-indolylmethanols
with azlactones has been established. In the whole process, Brønsted acid was supposed
to activate two substrates simultaneously. A series of structurally diversified indole
derivatives were obtained in generally good yields and high diastereoselectivities
(up to 86% yield, >95:5 dr). This protocol not only provides a new strategy for the
direct synthesis of structurally diversified indole derivatives, but also enriches
the chemistry of 2-indolylmethanols via dehydrative substitution reaction.
Key words
dehydrative nucleophilic substitution - indole derivatives - azlactone - 2-indolylmethanol
