C2-Alkylation and Alkenylation of Indoles Catalyzed by a Low-Valent Cobalt Complex in the Absence of Reductant

Herein an extremely versatile, well-defined, low-valent cobalt catalyst [Co(PMe3)4] capable of intermolecular and intramolecular imine-directed C2-alkylation and alkenylation of indoles is reported. The reaction proceeds in the absence of reducing agents or additives, affording a range of substituted indoles and dihydropyrroloindoles in high yields and regioselectivities. With the aid of deuterium labeling studies and DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations, a mechanism is proposed that is based on a Ligand-to-Ligand Hydrogen Transfer pathway.