Co(iii)-Catalyzed three-component assembling of N-(2-pyrimidyl) indoles with dienes and formaldehyde

A highly regio- and chemoselective three-component assembling of N-pyrimidyl indoles with dienes and formaldehyde in the presence of a Co(iii) catalyst was demonstrated. The scope of the reaction was investigated with a variety of indole derivatives to synthesize substituted homoallylic alcohols. Both butadiene and isoprene units were compatible with the reaction. To understand the reaction mechanism, various investigations were carried out, and suggested the plausibility of a reaction mechanism involving C-H bond activation as a key step.

Automated summary

A highly regio- and chemoselective three-component reaction between N-pyrimidyl indoles, dienes, and formaldehyde in the presence of a Co(iii) catalyst was demonstrated. The reaction scope was investigated using various indole derivatives to synthesize substituted homoallylic alcohols. Both butadiene and isoprene units were found to be compatible with this reaction. Various investigations suggested that the reaction mechanism involves C-H bond activation as a key step.