Iodine-catalyzed oxidative system for 3-sulfenylation of indoles with disulfides using DMSO as oxidant under ambient conditions in dimethyl carbonate

Abstract

The iodine catalyzed oxidative system for 3-sulfenylation of indoles with disulfides using DMSO as oxidant has been achieved under ambient conditions, providing a convenient and efficient method for the synthesis of 3-sulfenylindoles in good to excellent yields and with high selectivity. The reaction was carried out in a green solvent, DMC, under atmospheric conditions. Only 0.5 mmol of disulfide was needed for the 3-sulfenylation of 1 mmol of indole because both the sulfenyl groups of a symmetric disulfide take part in the reaction. The procedure is suitable for N-protected or unprotected indoles.