Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of mixed 3,3'-bisindoles and their evaluation as Wnt signaling inhibitors.

TOP class: The first efficient catalytic asymmetric coupling reaction of indoles with isatin-derived nitroalkenes was accomplished by using a complex consisting of a chiral imidazoline aminophenol ligand (1; see scheme) and Cu(OTf)(2). Biological activity of the newly formed chiral 3,3'-bisindoles was also confirmed in a Wnt signaling inhibitory assay.