The merger of rhodium catalysis and electrochemical synthesis enabled the exclusive access to the C7−H electro-alkenylation of indoles.

Abstract

Indole derivatives are fundamental structural units in many bioactive compounds and molecular materials. The site-selective C7-functionalization of these moieties has been proven to be extremely challenging due to the inherent reactivity of the C2- and C3-positions. Herein, we report the first electro-C7-alkenylation of indoles. This novel and sustainable methodology provides highly exclusive access to the C7-position devoid of often toxic and expensive chemical oxidants. Moreover, an array of substrates was successfully alkenylated at the C7-position, and versatile product diversification was achieved.