Cooperation of Mn(III)/Brønsted Acid for the Synthesis of Quindoline Derivatives via Dehydroxylation/Azidation/Cyclization Cascade of Diaryl(1 H-indol-2-yl)methanols with Trimethylsilyl Azide.

A new synthesis of quindoline derivatives promoted by Mn(III)/Brønsted acid via a dehydroxylation/azidation/cyclization cascade of diaryl(1 H-indol-2-yl)methanols with trimethylsilyl azide was developed. The reaction features very effective transformation involving two C(sp2)-H and one C(sp3)-O bond cleavages, two C(sp2)-N bonds, and one N-heterocycle formation in a one-pot manner. A series of 11-arylquindolines were synthesized in good yields.