Synthesis of cyclohepta[ b]indoles via gold mediated energy transfer photocatalysis

Chem Commun (Camb). 2024 Mar 14;60(23):3174-3177. doi: 10.1039/d4cc00379a.

Abstract

Photocatalysis involving energy transfer (EnT) has become a valuable technique for building intricate organic frameworks mostly through [2+2]-cycloaddition reactions. Herein, we report a synthetic method leading to functionalized cyclohepta[b]indoles, an important structural motif in natural products and pharmaceuticals, using gold-mediated energy transfer photocatalysis. The scope of this operationally simple and atom-economical strategy is presented. Density functional theory studies were employed in order to gain insights into the mechanism of formation of the cyclohepta[b]indole core.