Synthesis of 2-Aminobenzonitriles through Nitrosation Reaction and Sequential Iron(III)-Catalyzed C-C Bond Cleavage of 2-Arylindoles

A variety of 2-aminobenzonitriles were prepared from 2-arylindoles in good to excellent yields through tert-butylnitrite (TBN)-mediated nitrosation and sequential iron(III)-catalyzed C-C Bond cleavage in a one-pot fashion. The 2-aminobenzonitriles can be used to rapidly synthesize benzoxazinones by intramolecular condensation. The present method features an inexpensive iron(III) catalyst, gram scalable preparations, and novel C-C bond cleavage of indoles.