Molecular iodine-catalyzed selective c-3 benzylation of indoles with benzylic alcohols: A greener approach toward benzylated indoles

Abstract

Iodine-catalyzed selective C-3 benzylation of indoles with benzylic alcohols is developed. The reaction proceeds with molecular iodine as the catalyst under ligand-, metal-, and base-free conditions and tolerates wide functionalities. The experimental observations account for the halogenbond activation mechanistic pathway for the molecular iodine catalysis.