Csp2–Csp2 bond formation via Lewis acid/ammonium salt cocatalyzed tandem addition and oxidative dehydrogenation strategy: alkenylation of indoles with α,β-unsaturated ketones

The alkenylation of indoles with α,β-unsaturated ketones through a tandem addition and oxidative dehydrogenation strategy has been developed. This method provides an alternative approach for C3 alkenylation of indoles with α,β-unsaturated ketones. Using inexpensive and readily available BF3·Et2O and an ammonium salt as the efficient cocatalyst constitutes the attractive advantage of this reaction.