TfNHNHBoc as a SCF₃ source for the sulfenylation of indoles

Abstract

An unprecedented use of trifluoromethanesulfonyl hydrazides as effective SCF₃ sources has been established in the sulfenylation of indoles. A range of substituted indoles participated in CuCl-catalyzed oxidative sulfenylation reaction with TfNHNHBoc in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide to furnish structurally diverse 3-indolyl trifluoromethyl thioethers in moderate to good yields with very high regioselectivity.