title: Ru-catalysed C-H arylation of indoles and pyrroles with boronic acids: scope and mechanistic studies.
abstract: The Ru-catalysed C2-H arylation of indoles and pyrroles by using boronic acids under oxidative conditions is reported. This reaction can be applied to tryptophan derivatives and tolerates a wide range of functional groups on both coupling partners, including bromides and iodides, which can be further derivatised selectively. New indole-based ruthenacyclic complexes are described and investigated as possible intermediates in the reaction. Mechanistic studies suggest the on-cycle intermediates do not possess a para-cymene ligand and that the on-cycle metalation occurs through an electrophilic attack by the Ru centre.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry-BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75-123 Uppsala (Sweden), Fax: (+46) 18-471-38-18.
authors.forename: Carina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sollert
authors.forename: Karthik
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Devaraj
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Orthaber
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Gates
authors.forename: Lukasz T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Pilarski
keywords: CH activation; catalysis; heterocycles; reaction mechanisms; ruthenium