Regioselective C5 nitration of N-protected indolines using ferric nitrate under mild conditions

An efficient and facile process has been developed for the regioselective C5 nitration of the N-protected indolines using ferric nitrate as the nitrating reagents. The reaction proceeded smoothly in moderate to excellent yields with high efficiency and broad substrate scope under mild conditions. In addition, the synthesized nitration products can be further transformed to 5-nitroindolines and C5-nitroindole derivatives. The method is operationally simple, efficient, and might have potential application in industry production.