Cobalt(III)-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral Synthesis of Unprotected Indoles Featuring an N-N Bond Cleavage

A redox-neutral cobalt(III)-catalyzed synthetic approach for the direct synthesis of unprotected indoles showcasing an N-N bond cleavage is reported. The herein newly introduced Boc-protected hydrazines establish a beneficial addition to the limited portfolio of oxidizing directing groups for cobalt(III) catalysis. Moreover, the developed catalytic methodology tolerates a good variety of functional groups.