Three-Component Reaction of 3-Arylidene-3H-Indolium Salts, Isocyanides, and Alcohols

A novel isocyanide-based multicomponent synthesis of alkyl aryl(indol-3-yl)acetimidates has been established. Starting from aryl(indol-3-yl)methylium tetrafluoroborates, aromatic isocyanides and alcohols, the imidates were obtained in moderate to very good yields. Consecutive four-component synthesis of the above mentioned imidates from N-alkylindoles, aromatic aldehydes, aromatic isocyanides and alcohols was also proposed. In addition, it was shown that in the presence of water, aryl(indol-3-yl)methylium tetrafluoroborates reacted with isocyanides to furnish aryl(indol-3-yl)acetamides.

Introduction

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) serve as a powerful and widely used instrument in organic synthesis (Shiri, 2012; Müller, 2014; Zarganes-Tzitzikas et al., 2015; Zhu et al., 2015; Levi and Müller, 2016). A special place among them is occupied by transformations with the participation of isocyanides, unique reagents where nucleophiles and electrophiles attack the same atom (for a book on isocyanides, see Nenajdenko, 2012; for selected reviews on isocyanide-based MCR, see Dömling and Ugi, 2000; Dömling, 2006; Sadjadi et al., 2016). Common reaction partners in MCR with isocyanides are iminium salts, carbonyl compounds (or oxocarbenium ions), and electron-deficient alkynes (Ugi, 1962; Banfi and Riva, 2005; De Moliner et al., 2011). Several examples of interaction between isocyanides and activated alkenes were reported (Saegusa et al., 1972; Person et al., 1980; Shaabani et al., 2002; Maltsev et al., 2006; Mironov et al., 2006; Jing et al., 2010; Soleimani and Zainali, 2011; Soleimani et al., 2011, 2013). Reactions of isocyanides with α,β-unsaturated imines or the corresponding iminium salts with the possibility of 1,4-addition are still rare (Marchand et al., 1999; Fontaine et al., 2009; Shimizu et al., 2009). Particularly, such imine and iminium salts were used in a formal [4+1] cycloaddition reaction with the formation of a pyrrole ring (Marchand et al., 1999; Fontaine et al., 2009; Kaur et al., 2016). In our opinion, the interaction of isocyanides with α,β-unsaturated imines could well-evolve into a novel multicomponent reaction.

Considering that the indole scaffold is privileged from medicinal chemistry point of view (Barreiro, 2016), we decided to use 3-arylidene-3H-indolium salts as simple vinylogues of iminium ions. Alkylideneindoleninium (3-alkylidene-3H-indolium) ions (I) can be formed as intermediates by cleaving the leaving group from the α-position (“benzylic”) of the substituent at the indole 3-position (Figure 1A) (For reviews, concerning generation and reactivity of alkylideneindolenine intermediates, see Enders et al., 2008; Shaikh et al., 2008; Palmieri et al., 2010; Wang et al., 2014; Zhuo et al., 2014; Jin et al., 2015; Palmieri and Petrini, 2016; Deb et al., 2017; Mei and Shi, 2017). Such intermediates are usually unstable and can react in situ with nucleophiles. This approach has been widely used in the syntheses of various indole derivatives (Enders et al., 2008; Shaikh et al., 2008; Palmieri et al., 2010; Wang et al., 2014; Zhuo et al., 2014; Jin et al., 2015; Palmieri and Petrini, 2016; Deb et al., 2017; Mei and Shi, 2017).

FIGURE 1

Figure 1. In situ generation of alkylideneindoleninium intermediates (A) and synthesis of stable aryl(indol-3-yl)methylium salts (B).

Moreover, relatively stable 3-arylidene-3H-indolium (aryl(indol-3-yl)methylium) ions II were obtained by acid-catalyzed coupling of indoles and aryl aldehydes, and were isolated and characterized as o-benzenedisulfonimide salts (Figure 1B) (Barbero et al., 2012). The corresponding diarylmethanes were obtained by reduction of these salts (Barbero et al., 2012), and an organocatalytic addition of aliphatic aldehydes to such compounds was developed (Armenise et al., 2015). Recently, an efficient synthesis for a bench-stable aryl(indol-3-yl)methyl tetrafluoroborate has been proposed (Figure 1B) (Barbero et al., 2015; Follet et al., 2015). Lewis acidity of such obtained aryl(indol-3-yl)methylium ions and kinetics of their interaction with different nucleophiles, including allylsilanes, enol silyl ethers, triarylphosphines, pyridines, secondary amines, have been studied (Follet et al., 2015, 2016). It should also be mentioned that the vinylogous iminium character of salts II was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (Barbero et al., 2015; Follet et al., 2015).

To the best of our knowledge, reactions of alkylideneindolenines or the corresponding salts with isocyanides have not been published yet. Herein, we report the three-component reaction of 3-arylidenindolium salts with isocyanides and alcohols to form alkyl aryl(indol-3-yl)acetimidates.

Results and Discussion

Starting salts 1a-f were obtained by alkylation of the corresponding indoles followed by reaction of N-benzylindoles 2a-c with aromatic aldehydes 3a-c under conditions similar to a previously published procedure (Figure 2) (Follet et al., 2015). Tetrafluoroborates 1a-f containing a benzyl group in the indole 1-position remained unchanged after being stored at room temperature for several weeks and turned out to be more stable than their methyl analogs, whose lability was observed previously (Follet et al., 2015). In solution salts 1a-f exist as a mixture of E- and Z-isomers (for copies of NMR spectra of obtained compounds, see Supplementary Material), what was also noted for 2-unsubstituted derivatives earlier (Follet et al., 2015).

FIGURE 2

Figure 2. Synthesis of 3-arylidene-3H-indolium salts 1.

Next, the interaction of salt 1a with p-methoxyphenyl isocyanide (4a) in methanol (5a) was performed at room temperature. After treating the reaction mixture with sodium bicarbonate solution, the imidate 6a was isolated in moderate yield as a result of the expected three component interaction (Figure 3; Table 1, entry 1). This was stable upon chromatography on silica gel and further storage for several weeks. Unfortunately, our attempt to facilitate the reaction by heating was unsuccessful, due to significant tar formation (Table 1, entry 2). The addition of potassium carbonate as a base increased the yield (Table 1, entries 4, 7, 8), but led to the formation of ether 7, resulting from the two-component reaction with methanol. Sodium or cesium carbonate had nearly the same effect, while Et₃N was less effective (Table 1, entries 3, 5, 6).

FIGURE 3

Figure 3. Reaction optimisation for imidate 6a synthesis.

TABLE 1

Table 1. Reaction optimisation for imidate 6a synthesis.

The formation of methoxy derivative 7 was not observed when the reaction was carried out in acetonitrile with 4 equiv of methanol and 1.5 equiv. of K₂CO₃, (Table 1, entry 10). However, the highest yield of the target product 6a was achieved by using a mixture of equal amounts of methanol and acetonitrile as solvent (Table 1, entry 12).

In these optimized conditions, the reaction was showing significant progress by TLC during the first 3 h. After 6 h, the yield did not change substantially (Table 1, entries 11 and 12). It is worth noting that increasing the amount of isocyanide resulted in a drop of the yield (Table 1, entry 9 vs. 7), whereas, performing the reaction without the addition of isocyanide in the presence of a base led to the formation of two-component reaction product 7. Without the addition of base, this product was only formed in trace amounts (Table 1, entries 13, 14).

With the optimized conditions in hand, the interaction of salts 1a-f with isocyanides 4a-d and methanol was investigated (Figure 4; Table 2). Moreover, salts 1g-j containing a methyl group at the indole nitrogen atom, which were obtained by a previously described procedure (Follet et al., 2015), were also involved. Reactions of aromatic isocyanides 4a-c led to the corresponding imidates 6 in moderate to good yields. The best results were observed for salts derived from anisaldehyde (Table 2, entries 2, 5). Such results can be explained by stabilization of the 3-arylidene-3H-indolium salts 1b,h with the donor substituent (MeO) and, consequently, by reducing the rate of the starting compound degradation under the reaction conditions, in comparison with more electrophilic salts 1a,c,g,i. At the same time, the stronger electron-donating dimethylamino group notably reduced the electrophilicity of the substrate, which led to lowering the yield of the reaction product with isonitrile 4a (Table 2, entry 7) (for electrophilicity parameters of salts 1j-g, see Follet et al., 2015). Similarly, the presence of an electron-donating methoxy group at the indole 5-position slightly increased the yield of the corresponding imidate 6j (Table 2, entry 1 vs. entry 10). The presence of a bromine atom in the same position decreased the yield (Table 2, entry 8, 9).

FIGURE 4

Figure 4. Synthesis of imidates 6.

TABLE 2

Table 2. Synthesis of imidates 6.

Among aromatic isocyanides, the best results were also achieved for isocyanide 4a containing an electron-donating methoxy group. Furthermore, the alcohol component of this MCR could be varied and the reaction was carried out in a mixture of acetonitrile with alcohols 5b,c (Table 2, entries 11-13).

It should be mentioned that, in case of the non-conjugated benzyl isocyanide 4d, it was not possible to isolate the corresponding imidate 6s. Within 12 h, the reaction did not show significant progress according to TLC. After work-up and purification by chromatography on silica gel, amide 8a was isolated in a low yield along with compound 7 (Table 2, entry 19). Apparently, the amide 8a was formed by hydrolysis of the corresponding imidate 6s.

Next, the possibility of imidate synthesis from the indole and the aldehyde by a sequential one-pot four-component process, without isolation of the corresponding 3-arylidene-3H-indolium salt, was investigated (Figure 5; Table 3). After acid-catalyzed condensation of the aldehyde with 1-alkylindole, an excess of K₂CO₃ and a solution of isocyanide in the appropriate alcohol were added to the reaction mixture. To our great satisfaction, target imidate 6 was obtained in moderate to good yields.

FIGURE 5

Figure 5. Consecutive four-component synthesis of imidates 6.

TABLE 3

Table 3. Consecutive four-component synthesis of imidates 6^a.

Then we decided to extend our three-component imidate synthesis with the aim to obtain amides 8 (Figure 6; Table 4). As it turned out, addition of 10 volume % of water to the reaction mixture delivered the desired amides. Moreover, under these conditions, the reaction with benzyl isocyanide 4d also proceeded very quickly. A white precipitate of the corresponding amide 8a appeared almost immediately after isocyanide 4d addition. The interaction with aromatic isocyanides 4a,c was slightly slower but also efficient (Table 4, entries 7 and 8). Thus, 8 examples of amides 8 were obtained in a moderate to good yields employing this procedure (Table 4).

FIGURE 6

Figure 6. Synthesis of amides 8.

TABLE 4

Table 4. Synthesis of amides 8^a.

Previously, low yields were observed in formation of imidates with the conjugate addition of alkyl isocyanides to methyl acrylate and acrylonitrile in methanol (Saegusa et al., 1971). Amides were reported to be formed in reaction of dicyanoethylenes with isocyanides (Soleimani et al., 2011). Based on these facts and on the reported reactivity of 3-arylidene-3H-indolium salts (Follet et al., 2015, 2016), as well as on our own experiments, we suggest the following pathway for the multicomponent transformation of 3-arylidene-3H-indolium salts (Figure 7). The conjugate nucleophilic addition of isocyanide to the vinylogous iminium ion 1 leads to nitrilium salt A, which is further attacked by the nucleophile. This could be an alcoholate ion (or the corresponding alcohol). As a result, the imidate 4 is formed. Therefore, the role of the base in this process is to generate a small concentration of alcoholate ion as a strong nucleophile and to bind the released HBF₄.

FIGURE 7

Figure 7. Proposed mechanism of imidates 6 and amides 8 formation.

The unsuccessful attempt of the three-component reaction with non-conjugated isocyanide 4d can be explained by the reversibility of the process and the lower stability of the corresponding imidate. In the case that water is present, the hydroxide ion acts as nucleophile leading to the imidic acid B, which is in equilibrium with the corresponding amide 8. This last step makes the entire sequence of reactions almost irreversible.

Conclusions

We have elaborated a three-component reaction of a 3-arylidene-3H-indolium salt, an aromatic isocyanide and an alcohol, leading to a series of alkyl aryl(indol-3-yl)acetimidates with yields up to 87%. We have also established a consecutive four-component synthesis of the above mentioned imidates from a N-alkylindole, an aromatic aldehyde, an aromatic isocyanide and an alcohol. By using aqueous acetonitrile-methanol media we have expanded our method for the synthesis of aryl(indol-3-yl)acetamides. These reactions present a new practical synthetic approach to a series of compounds possessing a privileged indole scaffold and then also extend isocyanide-based MCRs by using vinylogous iminium ions.

Materials and Methods

General

Starting reagents were purchased from commercial sources and were used without any additional purification or were prepared according to literature procedures. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra were acquired on a Jeol JNM-ECA 600 spectrometer (with operating frequencies of 600 and 150 MHz, respectively) at room temperature and referenced to the residual signals of the solvent. The solvents used for NMR were DMSO-d₆ and CDCl₃. Chemical shifts are reported in parts per million (δ/ppm). Coupling constants are reported in Hertz (J/Hz). The peak patterns are indicated as follows: s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; q, quadruplet; m, multiplet; dd, doublet of doublets and br s, broad singlet. Infrared spectra were measured on an Infralum FT-801 FT/IR instrument. The wavelengths are reported in reciprocal centimeters (νmax /cm⁻¹). Mass spectra were recorded with LCMS-8040 Triple quadrupole liquid chromatograph mass-spectrometer from Shimadzu (ESI) and Kratos MS-30 mass-spectrometer (EI, 70 eV). HRMS spectra were recorded on a Bruker MicrOTOF-Q II. Elemental analysis was performed on an Euro Vector EA-3000 elemental analyzer. The reaction progress was monitored by TLC and the spots were visualized under UV light (254 or 365 nm). Column chromatography was performed using silica gel (230–400 mesh). Melting points were determined on a SMP-10 apparatus and were uncorrected. Solvents were distilled and dried according to standard procedures.

Synthesis of Tetrafluoroborates 1a-f

1-Benzyl-3-(4-Methylbenzylidene)-3H-Indolium Tetrafluoroborate (1a); Typical Procedure

1H-Indole (5.00 g, 42.7 mmol) and benzyl chloride (7.30 ml, 63.4 mmol) were dissolved in 10 ml of dry DMSO and finely ground KOH (3.5 g, 62.5 mmol) was added at 0–5°C in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. for 3 h and then poured into 100 mL of cold water. The product was extracted with ether (2 × 50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (50 mL), brine (30 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, after which the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on short column of silica gel (EtOAc – hexane, 20:1) to afford 1-benzyl-3H-indole (2a) (8.6 g, 97%) as white crystals.

1-Benzyl-1H-indole (2a) (1.00 g, 4.82 mmol) and p-tolualdehyde (3a) (4.82 mmol) were dissolved in a mixture of dry CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) and Et₂O (5 mL). Then HBF₄·OEt₂ (1.00 ml, 7.35 mmol) was added dropwise at 0–5°C over a period of 2 min. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to r.t. and stirred for 20 min. The resulting precipitate was filtered, washed thoroughly with Et₂O (5 × 20 mL) to give 1-benzyl-3-(4-methylbenzylidene)-3H-indolium tetrafluoroborate.

Yield: 1.78 g (93%); bright orange solid; mp 201–203°C (dec.).

IR (film): 3438, 3127, 1736, 1621, 1587, 1527, 1447, 1369, 1299, 1257, 1186, 1100, 1073, 1048, 813, 761, 711 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA; ~ 3:1 Z/E diastereomeric mixture): δ = 9.17 (s, 0.67 H), 8.91 (s, 0.33 H), 8.82 (s, 0.67 H), 8.71 (s, 0.33 H), 8.32 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 0.33 H), 8.01 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 0.67 H), 7.97 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 0.67 H), 7.91–7.85 (m, 1.33 H), 7.65–7.52 (m, 3 H), 7.50–7.36 (m, 7 H), 5.70 (s, 1.33 H), 5.60 (s, 0.67 H), 2.54 (s, 1 H), 2.49 (s, 2 H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA): δ = 165.3, 160.6, 159.7, 153.4, 150.6, 149.7, 141.6, 139.9, 134.8, 134.2, 131.7, 131.4, 131.0, 130.95, 130.90, 130.6, 130.1, 129.97, 129.94, 129.86, 129.7, 129.64, 129.60, 129.2, 128.5, 128.45, 128.3, 127.09, 127.07, 125.2, 124.1, 121.2, 115.1, 115, 54.7, 54.2, 22.5, 22.3.

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M – ${\text{BF}}_4^{-}$]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₂₀N⁺: 310.1590; found: 310.1596.

1-Benzyl-3-(4-Methoxylbenzylidene)-3H-Indolium Tetrafluoroborate (1b)

Red solid; yield 1.97 g (99% from 1.00 g 1-benzyl-1H-indole (2a)); mp 214-216°C (dec.).

IR (film): 3130, 2956, 2917, 2847, 1736, 1581, 1556, 1520, 1441, 1370, 1281, 1262, 1173, 1098, 1062, 835, 760, 710, 587 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA; ~ 2.3:1 Z/E diastereomeric mixture): δ = 9.06 (s, 0.7 H), 8.75 (s, 0.7 H), 8.72 (s, 0.3 H), 8.62 (s, 0.3 H), 8.37 – 8.32 (m, 0.3 H), 8.16 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 0.6 H), 8.04 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1.4 H), 7.99 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 0.7 H), 7.66 – 7.52 (m, 3 H), 7.48 – 7.34 (m, 5 H), 7.22 – 7.15 (m, 2 H), 5.68 (s, 1.4 H), 5.58 (s, 0.6 H), 4.04 (s, 0.9 H), 4.01 (s, 2.1 H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA): δ = 169.2, 168.3, 164.5, 159.0, 158.6, 150.9, 142.4, 139.5, 138.7, 138.5, 131.9, 131.3, 130.1, 130.0, 129.97, 129.95, 129.90, 129.13, 129.10, 129.0, 128.9, 128.5, 128.1, 127.5, 127.0, 126.9, 125.3, 124.4, 123.7, 120.7, 117.2, 116.3, 114.8, 114.5, 56.6, 56.5, 54.4, 53.9.

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M – ${\text{BF}}_4^{-}$]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₂₀NO⁺: 326.1539; found: 326.1550.

1-Benzyl-3-Benzylidene-3H-indolium Tetrafluoroborate (1c)

Bright orange solid; yield 1.64 g (89% from 1.00 g 1-benzyl-1H-indole (2a)); mp 163-165°C (dec.).

IR (film): 3416, 3115, 1619, 1605, 1587, 1568, 1531, 1447, 1370, 1296, 1253, 1192, 1099, 1050, 826, 759, 710, 678, 599, 570 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA; ~ 1.7:1 Z/E diastereomeric mixture): δ = 9.15 (s, 0.63 H), 8.93 (s, 0.37 H), 8.90 (s, 0.63 H), 8.74 (s, 0.37 H), 8.29 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 0.37 H), 8.04 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 0.63 H), 8.02 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 0.76 H), 7.92 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1.26 H), 7.80 – 7.72 (m, 1 H), 7.69 – 7.56 (m, 5 H), 7.48 – 7.36 (m, 5 H), 5.72 (s, 1.26 H), 5.62 (s, 0.76 H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA): δ = 165.0, 161.4, 159.6, 154.5, 142.9, 140.4, 136.9, 136.4, 134.1, 133.72, 133.70, 133.4, 133.3, 131.03, 131.0, 130.7, 130.6, 130.5, 130.4, 130.3, 130.2, 130.1, 130.03, 130.0, 129.97, 128.7, 128.6, 125.4, 128.2, 125.1, 124.3, 121.6, 115.3, 115.2, 55.0, 54.5.

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M – ${\text{BF}}_4^{-}$]⁺ calcd for C₂₂H₁₈N⁺: 296.1434; found: 296.1441.

1-Benzyl-5-Bromo-3-(4-Methylbenzylidene)-3H-Indolium Tetrafluoroborate (1d)

Bright orange solid; yield 1.35 g (81% from 1.00 g 1-benzyl-5-bromo-1H-indole (2b)); mp 220-222°C (dec.).

IR (film): 3126, 1736, 1620, 1587, 1526, 1448, 1424, 1372, 1319, 1259, 1188, 1104, 1051, 802, 772, 743, 714, 653, 629 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA; ~ 2.3:1 Z/E diastereomeric mixture): δ = 9.13 (s, 0.70 H), 8.85 (s, 0.70 H), 8.83 (s, 0.30 H), 8.76 (s, 0.30 H), 8.49 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 0.30 H), 8.18 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 0.70 H), 7.99 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 0.60 H), 7.90 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1.40 H), 7.75 (dd, J = 8.7 Hz, 1.7 Hz, 0.30 H), 7.71 (dd, J = 8.7 Hz, 1.7 Hz, 0.70 H), 7.56 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 0.60 H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1.70 H), 7.50 – 7.42 (m, 3.70 H), 7.42 – 7.36 (m, 2 H), 5.71 (s, 1.40 H), 5.62 (s, 0.60 H), 2.59 (s, 0.90 H), 2.54 (s, 2.10 H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA): δ = 167.1, 161.3, 160.3, 153.2, 152.3, 151.4, 141.6, 138.9, 135.4, 134.8, 133.7, 133.0, 132.2, 131.7, 131.58, 131.57, 131.5, 131.1, 130.7, 130.5, 130.4, 130.24, 130.2, 128.7, 128.4, 128.2, 127.2, 126.1, 124.5, 124.4, 124.2, 117.5, 116.5, 116.4, 55.3, 54.7, 22.4, 22.2.

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M – ${\text{BF}}_4^{-}$]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₁₉BrN⁺: 388.0695; found: 388.0701.

1-Benzyl-5-Bromo-3-(4-Methoxylbenzylidene)-3H-Indolium Tetrafluoroborate (1e)

Red orange solid; yield 1.46 g (85% from 1.00 g 1-benzyl-5-bromo-1H-indole (2b)); mp 226-228°C (dec.).

IR (film): 3464, 3129, 2841, 1582, 1554, 1520, 1447, 1429, 1375, 1319, 1281, 1178, 1103, 1051, 888, 835, 799, 773, 716, 629, 595, 556 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA; ~ 3.3:1 Z/E diastereomeric mixture): δ = 9.07 (s, 0.77 H), 8.73 (s, 0.23 H), 8.72 (s, 0.77 H), 8.68 (s, 0.23 H), 8.45 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 0.23 H), 8.16 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 0.46 H), ), 8.13 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 0.77 H), ), 8.08 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 1.54 H), 7.71 (dd, J = 8.6 Hz, 1.5 Hz, 0.23 H), 7.64 (dd, J = 8.6 Hz, 1.5 Hz, 0.77 H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 0.23 H), 7.46 – 7.39 (m, 3.77 H), 7.38 – 7.31 (m, 2 H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 0.46 H), 7.21 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 0.46 H), 5.67 (s, 1.54 H), 5.57 (s, 0.46 H), 4.07 (s, 0.69 H), 4.04 (s, 2.31 H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA): δ = 170.3, 169.3, 165.8, 159.9, 158.3, 150.6, 141.0, 139.5, 139.1, 138.1, 132.8, 132.0, 131.7, 131.2, 130.7, 130.6, 130.3, 130.1, 130.0, 128.4, 128.2, 128.1, 127.5, 127.1, 127.0, 126.5, 125.5, 123.8, 123.2, 123.0, 117.6, 116.8, 116.0, 115.9, 56.8, 56.7, 54.7, 54.1.

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M – ${\text{BF}}_4^{-}$]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₁₉BrNO⁺: 404.0645; found: 404.0651.

1-Benzyl-5-Methoxy-3-(4-Methylbenzylidene)-3H-Indolium Tetrafluoroborate (1f)

Dark violet solid; yield 1.50 g (83% from 1.00 g 1-benzyl-5-methoxy-1H-indole (2c)); mp 212-214°C (dec.).

IR (film): 3130, 2947, 1619, 1587, 1526, 1482, 1444, 1372, 1298, 1263, 1237, 1189, 1099, 1051, 916, 858, 808, 754, 705, 645 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA; ~ 2.7:1 Z/E diastereomeric mixture): δ = 8.89 (s, 0.73 H), 8.78 (s, 0.73 H), 8.64 (s, 0.27 H), 8.59 (s, 0.27 H), 7.95 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 0.54 H), 7.87 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 0.27 H), ), 7.82 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1.46 H), ), 7.54 – 7.51 (m, 1 H), 7.50 – 7.41 (m, 5.73 H), 7.41 – 7.34 (m, 2 H), 7.14 (dd, J = 9.1 Hz, 2.5 Hz, 0.27 H), 7.10 (dd, J = 9.1 Hz, 2.5 Hz, 0.73 H), 5.63 (s, 1.46 H), 5.55 (s, 0.54 H), 3.96 (s, 2.19 H), 3.89 (s, 0.81 H), 2.54 (s, 0.81 H), 2.50 (s, 2.19 H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃+TFA): δ = 164.3, 158.9, 158.7, 151.3, 150.4, 149.6, 136.8, 134.6, 134.1, 133.8, 131.8, 131.4, 131.2, 131.0, 130.9, 130.8, 130.7, 130.6, 130.3, 130.2, 130.1, 130.0, 129.3, 128.6, 128.3, 127.3, 127.2, 127.0, 116.8, 116.2, 116.13, 116.09, 110.0, 106.0, 56.44, 56.36, 55.0, 54.4, 22.4, 22.2.

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M – ${\text{BF}}_4^{-}$]⁺ calcd for C₂₄H₂₂NO⁺: 340.1696; found: 340.1701.

Synthesis of Imidates 6

Three-Component Synthesis of Imidates 6; General Procedure (GP1)

An isocyanide 4 (0.65 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of abs. alcohol (1 mL) and MeCN (1 mL). A salt 1 (0.5 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.1 g, 0.75 mmol) were then added. The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. for 12 h and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (50 mL), washed with NaHCO₃ (2 × 25 mL), brine (20 mL), and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The EtOAc was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on a column with silica gel with EtOAc–hexane.

Consecutive Four-Component Synthesis of Imidates 6; General Procedure (GP2)

N-Alkylindole (0.5 mmol) and aromatic aldehyde (0.5 mmol) were dissolved in dry CH₂Cl₂ (3 mL). HBF₄·OEt₂ (0.1 ml, 0.75 mmol) was then added dropwise at 0–5°C over a period of 2 min. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to r.t. and stirred for additional 20 min. Then K₂CO₃ (0.14 g, 1.0 mmol), anhydrous alcohol (3 ml) and isocyanide 4 (0.65 mmol) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. for 12 h and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (50 mL), washed with NaHCO₃ (2 × 25 mL), brine (20 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The EtOAc was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on a column with silica gel with EtOAc–hexane.

Methyl 2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(p-tolyl)acetimidate (6a)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 154 mg (65%).

Yellowish oil; R_f = 0.47 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:6).

IR (film): 3028, 2925, 2834, 1733, 1661, 1609, 1583, 1506, 1465, 1354, 1303, 1238, 1178, 1032, 909, 831, 740, 696, 636 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.36 – 7.23 (m, 5H), 7.19 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 7.12 – 7.07 (m, 4H), 7.05 – 6.99 (m, 2H), 6.84 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 6.74 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 5.42 (s, 1H), 5.37 – 5.29 (m, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s,3H), 2.33 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.6, 155.8, 141.8, 137.7, 137.1, 136.7, 136.4, 129.1 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 128.4 (2C), 128.0, 127.7, 127.4, 126.7 (2C), 122.4 (2C), 122.0, 119.7, 119.4, 114.4 (2C), 114.0, 109.9, 55.6, 53.7, 50.1, 42.7, 21.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 475 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₂H₃₁N₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 475.2380; found: 475.2375.

Methyl 2-(1-Benzyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-N,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)acetimidate (6b)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 206 mg (84%).

Yield, obtained by following GP2: 181 mg (74%).

Yellowish oil; R_f = 0.33 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3029, 2997, 2939, 2834, 1734, 1656, 1609, 1583, 1508, 1465, 1301, 1238, 1177, 1104, 1034, 908, 834, 741, 696, 636 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.36 – 7.23 (m, 5H), 7.21 – 7.14 (m, 3H), 7.12 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.07 – 7.00 (m, 2H), 6.88 – 6.82 (m, 4H), 6.79 – 6.74 (m, 2H), 5.41 (s, 1H), 5.37 – 5.28 (m, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.7, 158.5, 155.8, 141.8, 137.7, 136.78, 132.2, 129.6 (2C), 128.9 (2C), 128.0, 127.7, 127.4, 126.7 (2C), 122.4 (2C), 122.0, 119.7, 119.4, 114.5(2C), 114.3, 113.8 (2C), 109.9, 55.6, 55.3, 53.67, 50.2, 42.4.

MS (ESI): m/z = 491 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₂H₃₁N₂${\text{O}}_3^{+}$: 491.2329; found: 491.2337.

Methyl 2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Phenylacetimidate (6c)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: yield 129 mg (56%).

Yellowish oil; R_f = 0.43 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3058, 3027, 2931, 2833, 2391, 1735, 1662, 1605, 1506, 1466, 1334, 1301, 1238, 1178, 1031, 908, 833, 738, 698, 627 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.32 – 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.28 – 7.25 (m, 5H), 7.24 – 7.22 (m, 3H), 7.15 (dd, J = 8.0, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.03 – 6.99 (m, 2H), 6.82 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.73 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.44 (s, 1H), 5.35 – 5.27 (m, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.4, 155.8, 141.8, 140.2, 137.7, 136.7, 128.9 (2C), 128.5 (2C), 128.4 (2C), 128.1, 127.7, 127.4, 126.8, 126.7 (2C), 122.4 (2C), 122.0, 119.7, 119.4, 114.5 (2C), 113.8, 109.9, 55.6, 53.7, 50.2, 43.1.

MS (ESI): m/z = 461 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₁H₂₉N₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 461.2224; found: 461.2217.

Methyl N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1-Methyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-(p-tolyl)acetimidate (6d)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: yield 101 mg (51%)

Brownish oil; R_f = 0.50 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3048, 3000, 2941, 2833, 1663, 1505, 1465, 1372, 1237, 1179, 1031, 909, 833, 773, 740, 644 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.29 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.22 – 7.18 (m, 1H), 7.12 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (m, 1H), 6.89 (s, 1H), 6.83 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.73 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 5.37 (s, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s,3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.6, 155.8, 141.8, 137.3, 137.0, 136.3, 129.1 (2C), 128.39, 128.37 (2C), 127.1, 122.4 (2C), 121.7, 119.4, 119.1, 114.4 (2C), 113.4, 109.3, 55.6, 53.7, 42.6, 32.9, 21.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 399 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₆H₂₇N₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 399.2067; found: 399.2035.

Methyl N,2-bis(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1-Methyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)acetimidate (6e)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 180 mg (87%).

Yield, obtained by following GP2: 160 mg (77%).

Brownish oil; R_f = 0.37 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3048, 2998, 2943, 2834, 2391, 1737, 1661, 1609, 1583, 1508, 1464, 1440, 1329, 1239, 1178, 1032, 908, 834, 740, 634 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.29 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.22 −7.19 (m, 1H), 7.14 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 7.04 – 6.99 (m, 1H), 6.87 (s, 1H), 6.82 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.80 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.72 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 5.34 (s, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.7, 158.4, 155.7, 141.8, 137.1, 132.4, 129.5 (2C), 128.3, 127.1, 122.4 (2C), 121.7, 119.4, 119.1, 114.4 (2C), 113.7 (2C), 113.6, 109.3, 55.6, 55.3, 53.7, 42.3, 32.9.

MS (ESI): m/z = 415 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₆H₂₇N₂${\text{O}}_3^{+}$: 415.2016; found: 415.2025.

Methyl N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1-Methyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-Phenylacetimidate (6f)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 150 mg (78%).

Yield, obtained by following GP2: 131 mg (68%).

Brownish oil; R_f = 0.50 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:3).

IR (film): 3108, 2996, 2938, 2901, 2834, 1738, 1664, 1604, 1547, 1503, 1439, 1372, 1304, 1239, 1180, 1155, 1105, 1032, 905, 845, 799, 743, 718, 650 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.30 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.29 – 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.24 – 7.19 (m, 5H), 7.01 (m, 1H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 6.83 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.73 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.41 (s, 1H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.4, 155.8, 141.8, 140.3, 137.1, 128.49 (2C), 128.45, 128.4 (2C), 127.1, 126.8, 122.4 (2C), 121.8, 119.4, 119.1, 114.4 (2C), 113.2, 109.3, 55.6, 53.7, 43.0, 32.9.

MS (ESI): m/z = 385 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₂₅N₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 385.1911; found: 385.1911.

Methyl 2-(4-(Dimethylamino)phenyl)-N-(4-Methoxyphenyl) -2-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-3-yl) acetimidate (6g)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 109 mg (51%).

Yield, obtained by following GP2: 51 mg (24%).

Brownish oil; R_f = 0.44 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3059, 2927, 2852, 1759, 1703, 1661, 1602, 1512, 1464, 1351, 1237, 1157, 1031, 945, 825, 740, 607 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.29 – 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.22 – 7.18 (m, 1H), 7.12 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.99 – 7.04 (m, 1H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 6.83 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.74 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.73 – 6.66 (m, 2H), 5.31 (s, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 2.93 (s, 6H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 164.0, 155.8, 141.9, 137.1, 129.5, 129.3, 128.4 (2C), 127.2, 122.5 (2C), 121.8, 121.7, 119.5, 119.0, 114.4 (2C), 114.0, 112.8 (2C), 109.3, 55.6, 53.7, 42.2, 41.0 (2C), 32.9.

MS (ESI): m/z = 428 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₇H₃₀N₃${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 428.2333; found: 428.2208.

Methyl 2-(1-Benzyl-5-Bromo-1H-Indol -3-yl)-N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(p-tolyl)acetimidate (6h)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 130 mg (47%)

Brown oil; R_f = 0.47 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:7).

IR (film): 3030, 2941, 2833, 1733, 1661, 1607, 1505, 1468, 1282, 1237, 1176, 1103, 1033, 909, 874, 828, 793, 765, 732, 697, 641 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.36 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.34 – 7.27 (m, 3H), 7.21 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.12 – 7.07 (m, 5H), 7.06 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 6.85 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 6.71 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 5.33 (s, 1H), 5.32 – 5.24 (m, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.3, 155.9, 141.6, 137.2, 136.7, 136.6, 135.3, 129.3 (2C), 129.2, 129.1, 128.9 (2C), 128.3 (2C), 127.9, 126.6 (2C), 124.9, 122.4 (2C), 122.3, 114.5 (2C), 113.6, 112.9, 111.5, 55.6, 53.8, 50.4, 42.5, 21.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 553 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₂H₃₀BrN₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 553.1485; found: 553.1505.

Methyl 2-(1-Benzyl-5-Bromo-1H -Indol-3-yl)-N,2-bis(4-Methoxyphenyl)acetimidate (6i)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 148 mg (52%).

Yield, obtained by following GP2: 114 mg (40%).

Brownish oil; R_f = 0.60 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3030, 2996, 2943, 2834, 1734, 1662, 1608, 1508, 1467, 1354, 1238, 1176, 1104, 1033, 908, 832, 734, 697, 634 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.37 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.33 – 7.25 (m, 3H), 7.20 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.06 – 7.03 (m, 2H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 6.84 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 6.71 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 5.31 (s, 1H), 5.31 – 5.23 (m, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.3, 158.6, 155.9, 141.6, 137.2, 135.4, 131.7, 129.4 (2C), 129.1, 129.0, 128.9 (2C), 127.9, 126.6 (2C), 124.9, 122.3 (2C), 122.2, 114.5 (2C), 113.9 (2C), 113.8, 112.9, 111.4, 55.6, 55.3, 53.7, 50.4, 42.1.

MS (ESI): m/z = 569 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₂H₃₀BrN₂${\text{O}}_3^{+}$: 569.1434; found: 569.1412.

Methyl 2-(1-Benzyl-5-Methoxy-1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(p-tolyl)acetimidate (6j)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 179 mg (71%).

Yield, obtained by following GP2: 141 mg (56%).

Brown oil; yield; R_f = 0.56 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3030, 2994, 2939, 2833, 1734, 1661, 1621, 1578, 1506, 1487, 1452, 1288, 1238, 1176, 1103, 1030, 901, 830, 774, 704 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.31 – 7.25 (m, 3H), 7.15 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.12 – 7.05 (m, 5H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 6.83 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 6.79 (dd, J = 9.1, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.75 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 6.70 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 5.36 (s, 1H), 5.30 – 5.22 (m, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.6, 155.8, 154.0, 141.9, 137.8, 137.80, 137.1, 136.4, 131.9, 129.1 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 128.6, 128.4 (2C), 127.8, 126.6 (2C), 122.5 (2C), 114.4 (2C), 113.5, 112.2, 110.7, 101.2, 55.8, 55.6, 53.7, 50.4, 42.6, 21.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 505 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₃H₃₃N₂${\text{O}}_3^{+}$: 505.2486; found: 505.2461.

Ethyl 2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(p-tolyl)acetimidate (6k)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 129 mg (53%)

Brownish oil; R_f = 0.71 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3030, 2976, 2946, 2901, 2833, 1732, 1656, 1610, 1505, 1466, 1357, 1334, 1306, 1236, 1178, 1103, 1036, 958, 834, 741, 696 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.34 – 7.23 (m, 5H), 7.17 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 6.99 – 7.00 (m, 1H), 6.83 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 6.73 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 5.40 (s, 1H), 5.31 (s, 2H), 4.34 – 4.27 (m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 1.26 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 162.9, 155.7, 142.1, 137.7, 137.4, 136.7, 136.2, 129.0 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 128.4 (2C), 127.9, 127.7, 127.5, 126.8 (2C), 122.4 (2C), 121.9, 119.8, 119.2, 114.4 (2C), 114.2, 109.7, 61.8, 55.6, 50.1, 42.6, 21.1, 14.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 489 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₃H₃₃N₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 489.2537; found: 489.2553.

Ethyl 2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-N,2-bis(4-Methoxyphenyl)acetimidate (6l)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 118 mg (47%).

Yield, obtained by following GP2: 93 mg (37%).

Brownish oil; R_f = 0.71 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:3).

IR (film): 3031, 2930, 2834, 1727, 1658, 1609, 1508, 1465, 1301, 1238, 1177, 1104, 1036, 958, 834, 741, 696, 637 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.32 – 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.27 – 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.23 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.16 – 7.12 (m, 1H), 7.09 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 7.02 – 6.98 (m, 1H), 6.81 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.79 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.71 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.35 (s, 1H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 4.32 – 4.21 (m, 2H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 1.24 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.0, 158.4, 155.7, 142.0, 137.7, 136.7, 132.5, 129.5 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 127.8, 127.7, 127.4, 126.7 (2C), 122.4 (2C), 121.9, 119.8, 119.2, 114.4 (2C), 114.3, 113.7 (2C), 109.8, 61.8, 55.6, 55.3, 50.1, 42.3, 14.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 505 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₃H₃₃N₂${\text{O}}_3^{+}$: 505.2486; found: 505.2506.

Isopropyl 2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-N,2-bis(4-Methoxyphenyl)acetimidate (6m)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 145 mg (56%).

Yield, obtained by following GP2: 119 mg (46%).

Brownish oil; yield; R_f = 0.43 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:8).

IR (film): 3056, 2933, 2837, 2736, 1683, 1654, 1600, 1577, 1509, 1465, 1302, 1250, 1160, 1178, 1108, 1030, 976, 834, 742, 698 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.35 – 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.28 – 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.23 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 7.13 – 7.08 (m, 3H), 7.03 (s, 1H), 7.02 – 6.98 (m, 1H), 6.81 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.78 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.70 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 5.34 (s, 1H), 5.33 – 5.26 (m, 2H), 5.23 – 5.18 (m, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 1.22 (d, J = 6.2 Hz, 3H), 1.17 (d, J = 6.2 Hz, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 162.1, 158.3, 155.6, 142.2, 137.7, 136.6, 132.7, 129.5 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 127.8, 127.7, 127.5, 126.8 (2C), 126.5, 122.3 (2C), 121.8, 119.8, 119.1, 114.4 (2C), 113.6 (2C), 109.7, 68.0, 55.6, 55.3, 50.1, 42.2, 21.7, 21.6.

MS (ESI): m/z = 519 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₄H₃₅N₂${\text{O}}_3^{+}$: 519.2642; found: 519.2623.

Methyl 2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-Phenyl-2-(p-tolyl)acetimidate (6n)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 113 mg (51%).

Yield, obtained by following GP2: 91 mg (41%).

Orange oil; R_f = 0.41 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:10).

IR (film): 3055, 3028, 2941, 2861, 1665, 1595, 1546, 1511, 1466, 1334, 1249, 1178, 1072, 1017, 908, 834, 740, 695 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.34 – 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.28 – 7.25 (m, 3H), 7.25 – 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.15 – 7.11 (m, 3H), 7.10 – 7.03 (m, 5H), 7.02 – 6.98 (m, 2H), 6.79 (dd, J = 8.4, 1.1 Hz, 2H), 5.35 (s, 1H), 5.34 – 5.27 (m, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.1, 148.6, 137.7, 137.0, 136.7, 136.40, 129.1 (2C), 129.1 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 128.4 (2C), 128.0, 127.6, 127.4, 126.7 (2C), 123.1, 121.9, 121.5 (2C), 119.7, 119.4, 113.9, 109.9, 53.7, 50.1, 42.9, 21.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 445 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₁H₂₉N₂O⁺: 445.2274; found: 445.2250.

Methyl 2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-N-Phenylacetimidate (6o)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 145 mg (63%).

Orange oil; R_f = 0.66 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3030, 2928, 2837, 1738, 1664, 1594, 1510, 1465, 1303, 1247, 1175, 1031, 740 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.33 −7.29 (m, 2H), 7.28 – 7.21 (m, 5H), 7.16 – 7.12 (m, 3H), 7.10 – 7.07 (m, 2H), 7.07 – 7.03 (m, 1H), 7.00 (ddd, J = 8.1, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 6.80 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.79 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.34 – 5.26 (m, 3H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.1, 158.5, 148.6, 137.7, 136.8, 132.1, 129.5 (2C), 129.1 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 127.9, 127.6, 127.3, 126.7 (2C), 123.1, 122.0, 121.5 (2C), 119.7, 119.4, 114.2, 113.8 (2C), 109.9, 55.3, 53.7, 50.1, 42.6.

MS (ESI): m/z = 461 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₁H₂₉N₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 461.2224; found: 461.2239.

Methyl 2-(1-Methyl-1H-Indol-3-y l)-N-Phenyl-2-(p-tolyl)acetimidate (6p)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 100 mg (54%)

Orange oil; R_f = 0.57 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3052, 3021, 2952, 2869, 2854, 1737, 1662, 1595, 1511, 1461, 1375, 1330, 1247, 1153, 1023, 900, 740, 698 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.30 – 7.26 (m, 3H), 7.23 – 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.12 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.10 – 7.04 (m, 3H), 7.00 (ddd, J = 8.1, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 6.79 (dd, J = 8.4, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 5.32 (s, 1H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.1, 148.6, 137.2, 137.0, 136.4, 129.1 (2C), 129.1 (2C), 128.4, 128.35 (2C), 127.1, 123.1, 121.7, 121.5 (2C), 119.4, 119.1, 113.3, 109.3, 53.8, 42.8, 32.9, 21.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 369 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₂₅N₂O⁺: 369.1961; found: 369.1961.

Methyl 2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)acetimidate (6q)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 106 mg (43%).

Yield, obtained by following GP2: 89 mg (36%).

Yellowish oil; yield; R_f = 0.53 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3028, 2948, 2836, 1736, 1666, 1610, 1510, 1466, 1302, 1242, 1176, 1092, 1031, 908, 835, 739 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.32 – 7.23 (m, 5H), 7.22 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.19 – 7.12 (m, 3H), 7.08 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (ddd, J = 7.9, 7.0, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 6.81 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 6.71 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.34 – 5.22 (m, 3H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.1, 158.5, 147.2, 137.7, 136.8, 132.1, 129.5 (2C), 129.1 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 127.9, 127.6, 127.3, 126.7 (2C), 123.1, 121.95, 121.5 (2C), 119.7, 119.4, 114.2, 113.8 (2C), 109.9, 55.3, 53.7, 50.1, 42.6.

MS (ESI): m/z = 495 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₁H₂₈ClN₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 495.1834; found: 495.1817.

Methyl 2-(1-Benzyl-5-Methoxy-1H-Indol-3-yl)-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-(p-tolyl)acetimidate (6r)

Yield, obtained by following GP1: 94 mg (37%)

Brownish oil; R_f = 0.49 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3027, 2992, 2941, 2919, 2833, 1661, 1590, 1511, 1487, 1452, 1398, 1355, 1241, 1213, 1175, 1094, 1028, 903, 869, 829, 796, 732, 704, 643 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.31 – 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.28 – 7.25 (m, 1H), 7.23 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 – 7.05 (m, 7H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 6.80 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.73 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.65 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 5.29 – 5.22 (m, 3H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 163.7, 154.0, 147.3, 137.7, 136.7, 136.58, 131.9, 129.2 (2C), 129.1 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 128.6, 128.4, 128.3 (2C), 127.7, 127.7, 126.6 (2C), 122.9 (2C), 113.0, 112.3, 110.7, 101.0, 55.8, 53.9, 50.4, 42.9, 21.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 509 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₂H₃₀ClN₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 509.1990; found: 509.1962.

1-Benzyl-3-(Methoxy(p-tolyl)Methyl)-1H-Indole (7)

According to GP1 without an isocyanide addition compound 7 (155 mg, 91%) was obtained as an orange oil; R_f = 0.71 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3029, 2922, 2816, 1717, 1613, 1550, 1511, 1495, 1466, 1453, 1355, 1335, 1306, 1249, 1174, 1084, 1028, 956, 810, 777, 740, 695, 639, 573 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.63 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.29 – 7.23 (m, 3H), 7.22 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.18 – 7.12 (m, 3H), 7.09 – 7.05 (m, 3H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 5.56 (s, 1H), 5.28 – 5.20 (m, 2H), 3.42 (s, 3H), 2.34 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 138.8, 137.6, 137.161, 129.1, 128.8, 127.6, 127.3, 127.2, 127.1, 126.7, 122.1, 120.2, 119.6, 117.2, 109.9, 79.6, 56.7, 50.1, 21.3.

MS (EI, 70 eV): m/z (%) = 341 (11) [M]⁺, 310 (63) [M – OCH₃]⁺, 250 (7), 218 (6), 204 (6), 91 [C₇H₇]⁺ (100).

Synthesis of Amides 8

General Procedure

A salt 1 (0.5 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (100 mg, 0.75 mmol) were added to a solution of 0.65 mmol of isonitrile in a mixture of MeOH (1 mL), MeCN (1 mL) and H₂O (0.2 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. It was then diluted with 40 ml of EtOAc, washed with H₂O (2 × 25 mL), brine (20 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The EtOAc was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on a column of silica gel with EtOAc–hexane.

N-Benzyl-2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-(p-tolyl)acetamide (8a)

White solid; yield 132 mg (59%); mp 176–178°C; R_f = 0.42 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:3).

IR (film): 3299, 3087, 3029, 2949, 2920, 2874, 1645, 1612, 1532, 1496, 1433, 1356, 1334, 1222, 1030, 807, 768, 745, 696, 649 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.44 (d, J = 8.1 1H), 7.27 – 7.21 (m, 9H), 7.17 – 7.11 (m, 5H), 7.07 – 7.03 (m, 3H), 6.95 (d, J = 0.8 Hz, 1H), 6.12 (dd, J = 6.0, 5.7 Hz, 1H), 5.23 (s, 2H), 5.15 (s, 1H), 4.50 (dd, J = 15.1, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.41 (dd, J = 15.1, 5.7 Hz, 1H), 2.32 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 172.5, 138.4, 137.5, 137.0, 136.9, 136.5, 129.5 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 128.7 (2C), 128.5 (2C), 127.9, 127.7 (2C), 127.7, 127.5, 127.4, 126.7 (2C), 122.4, 119.8, 119.5, 114.0, 110.1, 50.9, 50.2, 43.8, 21.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 445 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₁H₂₉N₂O⁺: 445.2274; found: 445.2301.

N-Benzyl-2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)acetamide (8b)

White solid; yield 144 mg (63%); mp 177–179°C; R_f = 0.41 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:3).

IR (film): 3328, 3062, 3028, 2930, 2837, 1735, 1642, 1610, 1510, 1466, 1354, 1303, 1243, 1179, 1029, 734, 698 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.42 (d, J = 8.1, 1H), 7.28 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.26 – 7.21 (m, 7H), 7.19 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 7.07 – 7.02 (m, 3H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 6.85 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.12 (dd, J = 6.1, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 5.13 (s, 1H), 4.50 (dd, J = 14.9, 6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.42 (dd, J = 14.9, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 172.6, 158.8, 138.4, 137.4, 137.0, 131.63, 129.7 (2C), 128.9 (2C), 128.7 (2C), 127.9, 127.7 (2C), 127.7, 127.4, 127.4, 126.7 (2C), 122.4, 119.8, 119.5, 114.2 (2C), 114.1, 110.1, 55.4, 50.5, 50.2, 43.8.

MS (ESI): m/z = 461 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₁H₂₉N₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 461.2224; found: 461.2243.

N-Benzyl-2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1-Methyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)acetamide (8c)

White solid; yield 101 mg (53%); mp 207–209°C; R_f = 0.26 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:3).

IR (film): 3280, 3088, 3006, 2920, 2835, 1647, 1607, 1557, 1507, 1473, 1419, 1342, 1248, 1223, 1174, 1031, 753 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.42 (d, J = 7.6, Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.20 (m, 7H), 7.18 −7.14 (m, 2H), 7.07 (ddd, J = 8.1, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.86 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 6.76 (s, 1H), 6.19 (dd, J = 6.1, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 5.12 (s, 1H), 4.51 (dd, J = 14.9, 6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.41 (dd, J = 14.9, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H)

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 173.0, 158.8, 138.3, 137.4, 131.6, 129.7 (2C), 128.7 (2C), 128.5, 127.8 (2C), 127.5, 127.1, 122.2, 119.5, 119.3, 114.2 (2C), 113.3, 109.5, 55.4, 50.3, 43.8, 32.9.

MS (ESI): m/z = 385 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₂₄N₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 385.1911; found: 385.1919.

N-Benzyl-2-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-Phenylacetamide (8d)

White solid; yield 88 mg (50%); mp 146–148°C; R_f = 0.29 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:3).

IR (film): 3256, 3050, 2940, 2098, 1736, 1634, 1542, 1475, 1451, 1372, 1335, 1216, 1152, 1111, 1029, 990, 745, 699, 584 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.44 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.38 – 7.36 (m, 2H), 7.35 – 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.30 – 7.21 (m, 6H), 7.19 – 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.08 (ddd, J = 8.1, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.77 (d, J = 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.18 (dd, J = 6.1, 5.7 Hz, 1H), 5.16 (s, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 4.52 (dd, J = 15.5, 6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.42 (dd, J = 15.1, 5.7 Hz, 1H), 3.70 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 172.4, 139.7, 138.4, 137.3, 128.8 (2C), 128.7 (2C), 128.6 (2C), 128.6, 127.8 (2C), 127.5, 127.2, 127.1, 122.2, 119.6, 119.3, 113.1, 109.5, 51.2, 43.8, 32.9.

MS (ESI): m/z = 355 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₄H₂₃N₂O⁺: 355.1805; found: 355.1808.

N-Benzyl-2-(1-Benzyl-5-Bromo-1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-(p-tolyl)acetamide (8e)

White solid; yield 132 mg (51%); mp 184–186°C; R_f = 0.15 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3250, 3068, 3029, 2923, 1645, 1560, 1511, 1469, 1356, 1234, 1173, 1021, 869, 817, 802, 733, 697 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.55 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.25 (m, 8H), 7.22 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.0 Hz, 1H) 7.17 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (dd, J = 7.6, 1.9 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 6.07 – 6.02 (m, 1H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 5.05 (s, 1H), 4.52 – 4.43 (m, 2H), 2.32 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 172.1, 138.2, 137.2, 137.0, 136.0, 135.6, 129.7 (2C), 129.2, 129.1, 128.9 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 128.4 (2C), 127.9, 127.7 (2C), 127.5, 126.6 (2C), 125.2, 122.0, 113.5, 113.2, 111.6, 50.6, 50.5, 43.9, 21.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 523 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₂H₂₈BrN₂O⁺: 523.1380; found: 523.1398.

N-Benzyl-2-(1-Benzyl-5-Methoxy-1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-(p-tolyl)acetamide (8f)

White solid; yield 135 mg (57%); mp 168–170°C; R_f = 0.13 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:5).

IR (film): 3283, 3031, 2923, 1649, 1622, 1489, 1453, 1352, 1228, 1171, 1032, 918, 822, 794, 742, 699 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.26 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.25 – 7.21 (m, 6H), 7.16 (dd, J = 7.6, 2.0 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.99 – 7.04 (m, 2H), 6.87 (s, 1H), 6.86 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.80 (dd, J = 8.9, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.19 (dd, J = 6.1, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 5.19 (s, 2H), 5.11 (s, 1H), 4.51 (dd, J = 15.1, 6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (dd, J = 15.1, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 172.5, 154.3, 138.4, 137.5, 136.9, 136.5, 132.2, 129.5 (2C), 128.8 (2C), 128.7 (2C), 128.6, 128.5 (2C), 127.8, 127.7 (2C), 127.7, 127.4, 126.6 (2C), 113.5, 112.7, 111.0, 101.0, 55.9, 50.9, 50.4, 43.8, 21.2.

MS (ESI): m/z = 475 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₂H₃₁N₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 475.2380; found: 475.2399.

2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-N,2-bis(4-Methoxyphenyl)acetamide (8g)

White solid; yield 105 mg (44%); mp 208–210°C; R_f = 0.57 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:3).

IR (film): 3287, 3255, 3196, 3134, 3058, 3024, 2962, 2835, 1655, 1606, 1546, 1509, 1469, 1410, 1346, 1303, 1251, 1171, 1031, 969, 833, 794, 746, 730, 700 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ = 10.20 (s, 1H), 7.53 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (s, 1H), 7.43 – 7.34 (m, 4H), 7.32 – 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.25 – 7.21 (m, 1H), 7.18 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 7.09 – 7.04 (m, 1H), 6.99 – 6.95 (m, 1H), 6.90 – 6.84 (m, 4H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 5.26 (s, 1H), 3.71 (s, 3H) 3.70 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ = 170.2, 158.1, 155.2, 138.4, 136.1, 132.4, 132.3, 129.3 (2C), 128.5 (2C), 127.4, 127.3, 127.1, 127.0 (2C), 121.4, 120.7 (2C), 118.84, 118.82, 113.9 (2C), 113.7, 113.6 (2C), 110.2, 55.2, 55.0, 49.0, 48.6.

MS (ESI): m/z = 477 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₁H₂₉N₂${\text{O}}_3^{+}$: 477.2173; found: 477.2193.

2-(1-Benzyl-1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)acetamide (8h)

White solid; yield 132 mg (54%); mp 179–181°C; R_f = 0.30 (EtOAc–hexane, 1:4).

IR (film): 3282, 3061, 3030, 2928, 1658, 1593, 1510, 1493, 1467, 1397, 1299, 1248, 1173, 1093, 1030, 824, 786, 739, 697 cm⁻¹.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.65 (s, 1H), 7.44 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.34 – 7.25 (m, 6H), 7.20 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.19 – 7.16 (m, 1H), 7.10 – 7.06 (m, 3H), 7.01 (s, 1H), 6.87 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 5.21 (s, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 171.0, 159.0, 137.3, 137.1, 136.4, 131.1, 129.7 (2C), 129.4, 129.0 (2C), 128.9 (2C), 128.0, 127.8, 127.2, 126.8 (2C), 122.6, 121.2 (2C), 120.1, 119.3, 114.4 (2C), 113.6, 110.3, 55.4, 51.3, 50.3.

MS (ESI): m/z = 481 [M + H]⁺

HRMS (TOF ES⁺): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₀H₂₅ClN₂${\text{O}}_2^{+}$: 481.1677; found: 481.1683.

Data Availability

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this manuscript will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation, to any qualified researcher.

Author Contributions

NG and HN were responsible for designing and performing the experiments. NG, HN, AG and AV discussed the evolution of the project and revised the manuscript together. LV and EV directed the project and wrote the publication.

Funding

We thank the Russian Science Foundation (grant 18-73-10099) for the financial support of this work.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Supplementary Material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fchem.2019.00345/full#supplementary-material

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