10.1016/S0022-328X(00)93987-1
The research investigates new substitution reactions on indole promoted by the Cr(CO)3 unit. The study found that indole derivatives form complexes with the Cr(CO)3 unit at the 6-membered ring, and reactive carbon nucleophiles preferentially add to the coordinated ring at C-4 and, in some cases, C-7. Oxidation of intermediate cyclohexadienyl anionic complexes yields substituted indoles in good yield. The regioselectivity of the substitution is influenced by electronic and steric factors, with electronic factors strongly directing attack to C-4 and C-7. The chemicals that played a role in the research include indole derivatives, Cr(CO)3, reactive carbon nucleophiles such as ester enolates, cyano-stabilized carbanions, and 2-lithio-1,3-dithiane, as well as oxidizing agents like iodine.