Synthesis of C3-Methyl-Substituted Pyrroloindolines and Furoindolines via Cascade Dearomatization of Indole Derivatives with Methyl Iodide

A highly efficient method for constructing C3-methyl-substituted pyrroloindolines and furoindolines via cascade dearomatization reaction of indole derivatives with methyl iodide was developed. This protocol offers a direct approach to a wide range of C3 methyl substituted pyrroloindolines under mild conditions. The utility of this method was further demonstrated in the concise synthesis of (+/-)-esermethol.