Stereogenic-at-Cobalt(III) Complex Catalyzed Halocyclization of Alkynes: Enantioselective Access to Axially Chiral ortho-Halo-C2-indoles

J Org Chem. 2023 May 5;88(9):6146-6158. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c03056. Epub 2023 Apr 6.

Abstract

Here, we report an anionic stereogenic-at-cobalt(III) complex catalysis strategy for the enantioselective halocyclization of ortho-alkynylanilines using N-halosuccinimide (NXS) as the halogen source. This protocol provides a distinct atroposelective approach to access the axially chiral ortho-halo-C2-indole skeletons in excellent yields with good to high enantioselectivities (up to 99% yield, 99:1 er).