First example of the C-alkylation of indoles with Baylis-Hillman acetates

Baylis-Hillnian acetates undergo S(N)2' allylic substitution with indoles in the presence of 20 mol% of indium tribromide under mild conditions to afford a new class of substituted indoles in high yields with (E)-stereo selectivity. The stereochemistry of the products was assigned by various NMR experiments. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.