Mild and efficient cyclization reaction of 2-ethynylaniline derivatives to indoles in aqueous medium

Results of the optimized cyclization reaction of 2-ethynylaniline derivatives to indoles catalyzed by copper(II) salts are described. The reactions can be carried out in a mixture of H2O and MeOH in the presence of 1-ethylpiperidine at room temperature. These conditions can be applied to a bulky substrate, which is difficult to be cyclized efficiently by existing reaction conditions. Furthermore, this reaction condition was applied to a catalyst recycling reaction system.