Manganese/NaOPh co-catalyzed C2-selective C-H conjugate addition of indoles to α,β-unsaturated carbonyls

Abstract A manganese/NaOPh co-catalyzed C2-selective C-H conjugate addition of indoles to α,β-unsaturated carbonyls has been developed. The reaction features very high atom economy in which no stoichiometric reagents/additives were employed. The crucial role of sodium phenolate (NaOPh) as a synergetic catalyst was revealed in the reaction screening process and mechanistic experiments.