Direct Oxidative Coupling of <i>N</i>‐Acetyl Indoles and Phenols for the Synthesis of Benzofuroindolines Related to Phalarine

Abstract

Abstract Inspired by the biogenetic synthesis of benzofuroindoline‐containing natural products, we designed an oxidative coupling between phenol and N ‐acetyl indoles. This straightforward and direct radical process, mediated by 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone and FeCl 3 allowed the regioselective synthesis of benzofuro[3,2‐b]indolines, whose structure is found in the natural product phalarine.