Highly enantioselective iron(II)-catalyzed opening reaction of aromatic meso-epoxides with indoles

A highly enantioselective method for the catalytic cis-stilbene oxide opening reaction with indole derivatives was developed. The scope of the reaction was studied with a selection of aromatic meso-epoxides and various indoles, and the desired 2-(indol-3-yl)ethanol derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields with excellent enantioselectivities (from 96 to >99% ee).