Cobalt-Catalyzed Enantioselective Directed C–H Alkylation of Indoles with Styrenes

Abstract

A cobalt−chiral phosphoramidite catalyst pro- motes enantioselective imine-directed C2-alkylation of Boc- protected indoles with styrenes. The reaction affords 1,1- diarylethane products in moderate to good yields with good enantioselectivities under mild conditions. A deuterium-labeling experiment suggests that the enantioselectivity is controlled by both the styrene insertion and the C−C reductive elimination steps.

Publication
Lee, P.-S.; Yoshikai, N. Org. Lett. 2015, 17, 22-25.