Aerobic oxidation of indole carbinols using Fe(NO3)3·9H2O/TEMPO/NaCl as catalysts.

A practical aerobic oxidation of indole carbinols using Fe(NO3)3·9H2O/TEMPO/NaCl in DCE at room temperature and atmospheric pressure of oxygen affording aldehydes or ketones in good to excellent yields was developed. Furthermore, when using the industrially favored solvent toluene instead of DCE and air instead of pure oxygen, this protocol also works smoothly, demonstrating its high potential for possible industrial application.