New homogeneously and heterogeneously [Pd/Cu]-catalysed C3-alkenylation of free NH-indoles

A new palladium/copper catalytic procedure for the C3-alkenylation of free NH-indoles is reported. Using homogeneous or heterogeneous hetero-bimetallic [Pd/Cu]-catalysts under mild reaction conditions (10 mol% Pd-catalyst and 10 mol% Cu-catalyst, 70 °C, air), substituted indoles are fully (58–82% isolated yields) and selectively (75–100% selectivity) converted to the expected 2-substituted-3-vinyl indoles.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide