DDQ-mediated oxidative cross-coupling between propargylic sp3 and indoles sp2 carbons

DDQ-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling reaction between indoles and propargyl compounds is reported for the first time. The reaction involves direct carbon–carbon bond formation between sp2 carbons of indoles and sp3 carbons of propargylates to yield the corresponding propargyl indoles in good yields with high selectivity.