Synthesis of indolines via a domino Cu-catalyzed amidation/cyclization reaction

A highly efficient one-pot procedure for the synthesis of indolines and their homologues based on a domino Cu-catalyzed amidation/nucleophilic substitution reaction has been developed. Substituted 2-iodophenethyl mesylates and related compounds afforded the corresponding products in excellent yields. No erosion of optical purity was observed when transforming enantiomerically pure mesylates under the reaction conditions.