Metal-free oxidative ketonization–olefination of indoles by cross-coupling with 1,3-dicarbonyl substrate

Abstract A metal-free oxidative ketonization–olefination of indoles by cross-coupling with 1, 3-dicarbonyl substrate has been developed for the preparation of 3-carbonyl-2-ene-indole derivatives. This reaction proceeded smoothly without the metal catalysts or additives, which gives rapid access to a variety of 3-carbonyl-2-ene-indole in moderate to excellent yields. This reaction can be applied to a variety of 1, 3-dicarbonyl and activated methylene substrates, and features excellent selectivity.