Divergent Synthesis of 3-Pyrrolidin-2-yl-1 H -indoles, Symmetric and Unsymmetric Bis(Indolyl)Methanes (BIMs) through Photocatalyzed Decarboxylative Coupling/Friedel-Crafts Alkylation Reaction.

This paper reports the acid-controlled divergent synthesis of 3-pyrrolidin-2-yl-1 H -indoles and symmetric and unsymmetrical bis(indolyl)methanes (BIMs) through photocatalyzed decarboxylative coupling and Friedel-Crafts alkylation reactions, respectively. The protocol involves C-H functionalization, switching formation of two products, room-temperature conditions, low photocatalyst loadings, without strong oxidant, and moderate to excellent yields. This method has been applied for the synthesis of natural product vibrindole A and 1,1-bis(1 H -indol-3-yl)-2-phenylethane.