A new synthesis of 4-substitued indoles via tricarbonylarenechromium(0) complexes

Abstract

Tricarbonyl-(η6-1-tri-isopropylsilylindole)chromium (0), lithiated selectively at C-4 by n-butyl-lithium–N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), can be substituted in good yield by a range of electrophiles; the method has been used to synthesise 4-prenylindole.