Synthesis of 2-Indol-3-ylbenzofulvenes through a Tandem Reaction Catalyzed by Cationic Gold(I) Complexes

Dedicated to our good friend Professor Francisco J. Fañanás on the occasion of his 60^th birthday

Abstract

A new access to benzofulvenes bearing an indol-3-yl substituent at C-2 has been developed. Treatment of 3-propargylindoles possessing an additional hydroxy group at the other pro­pargylic position with a cationic gold(I) complex triggers a tandem 1,2-indole migration/aura-iso-Nazarov cyclization/elimination sequence that takes place under mild conditions.

Key words

benzofulvenes - catalysis - gold - indoles - tandem reactions

• References

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