Direct Access to Functionalized Indoles via Single Electron Oxidation Induced Coupling of Diarylamines with 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds.

Under aerobic copper catalysis, an unprecedented direct synthesis of functionalized indoles via single electron oxidation induced coupling of diarylamines with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds is presented. The protocol proceeds with good functional group and substrate compatibility, the use of readily available feedstocks and naturally abundant catalyst system, high step and atom efficiency, as well as selectivity, which offers a platform for accessing a new class of indoles with the potential for the discovery of functional molecules.