Csp2-Csp2 bond formation via Lewis acid/ammonium salt cocatalyzed tandem addition and oxidative dehydrogenation strategy: alkenylation of indoles with α,β-unsaturated ketones

The alkenylation of indoles with alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones through a tandem addition and oxidative dehydrogenation strategy has been developed. This method provides an alternative approach for C3 alkenylation of indoles with alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones. Using inexpensive and readily available BF3 center dot Et2O and an ammonium salt as the efficient cocatalyst constitutes the attractive advantage of this reaction. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.