Synthesis of C3-Alkylated Indoles on DNA via Indolyl Alcohol Formation Followed by Metal-Free Transfer Hydrogenation

3-Alkylated indole cores have been found in countless natural products and many biologically active compounds, including pharmaceuticals. In this report, a highly efficient approach to C3-alkylated indole derivatives on DNA via indolyl alcohol formation followed by metal-free transfer hydrogenation is developed. This on-DNA C3 alkylation approach is attractive because library compounds can be constructed from simple aldehydes or acid functionalized aldehydes, which are widely commercially available.