Synthesis of 1,2-fused tricyclic indoles via Cu-/base-mediated hydroamination of alkynes.

Synthesis of a variety of 1,2-fused tricyclic S-containing indoles is reported starting from indole sulfides tethered with terminal and internal alkynes via a key hydroamination step. Cu-catalyzed hydroamination reactions resulted in the exclusive formation of tricycles possessing an exocyclic methylene moiety, whereas base-mediated conditions led to thiazolo[3,2-a]indoles. Indole sulfides with internal alkyne functionality produced 2H-[1,3]thiazino[3,2-a]indoles under Cu-catalysis.