From 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindoles to 3- or 5-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindol-2-yl)isoxazoles in two steps: a regioselective switch between 3- and 5-isomers

(4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroindol-2-yl)alkynes, synthesized by cross-coupling of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindoles with aroyl(hetaroyl)bromoalkynes or ethyl bromopropynoate in the presence of K2CO3, regioselectively cyclize with hydroxylamine to either 3- or 5-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindol-2-yl)isoxazoles depending on the acidity of the reaction mixture: in the presence of acetic acid 3-isomers are formed (ca. 100% selectivity), while under neutral conditions the reaction is switched to 5-isomers (94-97% selectivity).

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