Indolecarbonyl Coupling Reactions Promoted by Samarium Diiodide. Application to the Synthesis of Indole-Fused Compounds

By the assistance of an N-sulfonyl group or a cyano group at the C-2 position, hydroxyalkylations of indole-3-carbonyls were achieved by the promotion of samarium diiodide. The indolecarbonyl coupling reactions proceeded in high stereoselectivity via chelate transition states. Intramolecular indolecarbonyl couplings of 1-(3-oxopropyl)indole-3-carboxaldehydes were realized as the indolecarbonyl group was more reactive toward SmI2 than the aliphatic carbonyl group. Elaboration of the coupling products with oxidizing agents, acid, phosphorus pentasulfide (or Lawesson's reagent), amines, and hydrazine led to a variety of indole derivatives and indole-fused polycyclic compounds of synthetic interest and pharmaceutical uses.