10.1039/b607286k
The study explores the platinum(II)-catalyzed intermolecular hydroarylation of unactivated alkenes with indoles. The researchers discovered that ethylene, α-olefins, and vinyl arenes can undergo hydroarylation with substituted indoles in moderate to good yields using platinum(II) complexes as catalysts. The key chemicals involved include 1,2-dimethylindole, which reacts with ethylene under the catalysis of [PtCl2(H2CLCH2)]2 to produce 3-ethyl-1,2-dimethylindole. The study also examines the hydroarylation of α-olefins like propene and 1-butene, as well as vinyl arenes such as p-chlorostyrene, with indoles. The platinum(II) catalysts enable these reactions to proceed efficiently, even with various substituents on the indole ring, demonstrating good functional group compatibility and selectivity. The study highlights the potential for further development of more active and selective hydroarylation catalysts, contributing to the field of organic synthesis.