Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Direct C7-Selective Amidation of Indoles with Dioxazolones at Room Temperature

A protocol for the preparation of 7-amido indoles via regioselective C-H bond functionalization has been first accomplished under Ru(II) catalysis. Indole derivatives and 4-aryl/heteroaryl/benzyl/alkyl dioxzaolines containing various substituents were applicable for this transformation, readily providing the amidated indoles in moderate to good yields. This novel process has many advantages, including good compatibility with diverse functional groups, broad substrate scopes, and mild reaction conditions. Deuteration studies and control experiments have been performed to understand the mechanism of this transformation.