10.1021/acs.joc.8b00286
The research focuses on the development of an iodine-catalyzed C-H amidation and imination reaction at the 2α-position of 2,3-disubstituted indoles using chloramine salts. The study outlines a novel and efficient method for the synthesis of 2α-nitrogen-containing indole derivatives, which are important scaffolds in bioactive compounds and indole alkaloids. The experiments involved the optimization of reaction conditions using various iodine sources and solvents, ultimately achieving high regioselectivity and yield under ambient conditions without the need for external oxidants. Chloramine salts, specifically chloramine-B (2a) was used as both oxidants and nitrogen sources in the reaction. The substrate scope was extensively explored, demonstrating the versatility of the method with a range of indole derivatives. The reaction's mechanism was also investigated, suggesting the involvement of an iminium intermediate and a plausible pathway involving N-iodo-chlorobenzenesulfonamide as an active species. The synthetic value of the method was further demonstrated by a concise synthesis of the bridged tetracyclic framework of akuammiline alkaloids. Analytical techniques such as NMR, HRMS, and X-ray diffraction were employed to characterize the products and confirm the structure of the synthesized compounds.