Pd‐Catalyzed Direct and Selective CH Functionalization: C3‐Acetoxylation of Indoles

The chosen one! A novel Pd-catalyzed direct and selective C3-acetoxylation of indole derivatives has been accomplished (see scheme). This selective CH activation reaction was implemented without the assistance of directing groups and took place under mild conditions. The kinetic study revealed that the reaction was zero-order with respect to the oxidant and first-order with respect to the indole derivatives.