Metal-Free-Catalyzed Three-Component [2+2+2] Annulation Reaction of [60]Fullerene, Ketones, and Indoles: Access to Diverse [60]Fullerene-Fused 1,2-Tetrahydrocarbazoles

The first example of metal-free-catalyzed multicomponent annulation reaction of [60]­fullerene has been developed for concise and efficient construction of novel [60]­fullerene-fused 1,2-tetrahydrocarbazoles. Using inexpensive and readily available I2 as a catalyst, [60]­fullerene, ketones, and indoles undergo a formal [2+2+2] annulation process to conveniently assemble diverse 1,2-tetrahydrocarbazoles. Mechanistic studies indicate that this reaction proceeds through I2-promoted generation of a 3-vinylindole structure with the characteristics of a conjugated diene followed by cycloaddition to [60]­fullerene.