Enantioselective Direct Functionalization of Indoles by Pd/Sulfoxide-Phosphine-Catalyzed N-Allylic Alkylation

A general and efficient Pd/sulfoxide-phosphine complex-catalyzed direct asymmetric N-allylic alkylation of indoles has been developed to allow for the preparation of various N-allylated indoles in generally good yields with excellent enantioselectivities. This catalytic system could also be extended to other N-containing heterocycles with good results.