Cascade Reaction of 2-Naphthols and Azirines: One-Pot Synthesis of C-3 Naphthol-Substituted Benzo[e]indoles

A copper-catalyzed annulation of 3-aryl-2H-azirines with 2-naphthols has been developed for the rapid assembly of C-3-naphthol-substituted benzo[e]indoles in one pot. This cascade reaction was realized through dearomatic nucleophilic ring opening of azirine, intramolecular cyclization, and oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling to furnish the important unreported pi-expanded naphthol/benzo[e]indole biaryls.

Automated summary

The copper-catalyzed annulation of 3-aryl-2H-azirines with 2-naphthols allows for the rapid assembly of C-3-naphthol-substituted benzo[e]indoles in one pot through a cascade reaction. This method provides a new approach for the synthesis of important unreported pi-expanded naphthol/benzo[e]indole biaryls.