Chemoselective N-acylation of indoles using thioesters as acyl source (Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry)

Abstract The selective acylation of indoles often requires sensitive and reactive acyl chloride derivatives. Here, we report a mild, efficient, functional group tolerant, and highly chemoselective N-acylation of indoles using thioesters as a stable acyl source. A series of indoleamides have been obtained with moderate to good yields. In addition, heterocycles, such as carbazole, can also be used as nucleophiles in this reaction. Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 89–94. doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.9