Cu(OTf)2-catalyzed asymmetric Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction of indoles with arylidene malonates using bis(sulfonamide)-diamine ligands.

A highly efficient Cu-catalyzed asymmetric Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction of indoles with arylidene malonates using simple, stable, and easily prepared bis-sulfonamide diamine ligands was developed. The desired products were obtained in up to 99% yield with 96% ee.