Nickel-Catalyzed Radical Hydroalkylative Dearomatization of Indoles with Alkyl Bromides

Abstract

Dearomatization of indole derivatives offers a straightforward approach to accessing the indoline framework. However, highly efficient dearomatization of indoles bearing electron-deficient groups remains underdeveloped. Herein, a nickel-catalyzed intermolecular hydroalkylative dearomatization reaction of indoles with simple alkyl bromides through a single-electron-transfer process is reported. A wide variety of indole derivatives bearing various functional groups were compatible with this protocol and reacted with primary, secondary, or tertiary alkyl bromides to afford a series of indolines in good yields (up to 82%) and with excellent diastereoselectivity (up to >20:1). Notably, a nickel-mediated hydrogen-atom-transfer process was observed when terminal alkyl bromides were employed as the radical precursors, which resulted in branched products.