Document Type

Article

Department

​Chemistry​

Publication Date

11-2021

Abstract

An efficient synthesis of unsymmetrical bisindolylmethanes has been accomplished using triarylmethyl cations to catalyze the reaction of N-arylimines with two different indoles. Optimization of the organocatalyst by tuning cation stability allows for excellent single addition selectivity when coupled with p-nitrophenyl imines. The optimal catalyst is commercially available, and the reaction minimizes waste and environmental impact by employing a one-to-one ratio of starting materials. The intermediates can be isolated or used in situ in a one-pot two-step reaction to generate unsymmetrical bisindolylmethanes in high yields. The reaction tolerates a broad range of imines with the highest yields observed for electron-poor and neutral imines. A wide range of indole nucleophiles are also successfully employed allowing for the creation of a large variety of unsymmetrical bisindolylmethanes.

Comments

Authors' accepted manuscript. Published version available at:

https://doi.org/10.1002/ejoc.202100946

Publication Title

European Journal of Organic Chemistry

Volume

2021

Issue

48

DOI

10.1002/ejoc.202100946

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