Domino Process in Silver-Catalyzed Reactions of N-Arylformimidates and Active Methylene Compounds Involving Cycloisomerization and 1,3-Alkenyl Shift

Abstract

We have developed an efficient method for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indoles from alkyne iminoethers I that employs a domino process involving Ag-catalyzed condensation followed by a tandem Ag-induced cycloisomerization and 1,3-alkenyl shift to Ag-activated carbon. This methodology can be useful in regioselectively constructing 3-alkylated indoles. which are part of the structures of biologically active compounds and important alkaloids.