Electrochemical Umpolung of Bromide: Transition-Metal-Free Bromination of Indole C–H Bond

Abstract

A facile and sustainable electrochemical umpolung of bromide ion protocol was developed under mild reaction conditions. Transition metal catalysts and exogenous chemical oxidants were obviated for the bromination of C⁻H bond. Notably, graphite rod, which is commercially available at supermarkets and is inexpensive, was employed as the electrode material. This operationally easy and environmentally friendly approach accomplished the synthesis of 3-bromoindole in excellent yield and regioselectivity.