Cu-Catalyzed Oxidation of C2 and C3 Alkyl-Substituted Indole via Acyl Nitroso Reagents.

The selective oxidation of C2-alkyl-substituted indoles to 3-oxindole and the selective C-H oxygenation or amination of C2,C3-dialkyl-substituted indoles at C2 are reported under mild conditions. The position of the alkyl substitution on the indole directs the reaction to different pathways under similar conditions.