Insight into Copper Catalysis: In Situ Formed Nano Cu2O in Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling of Aryl/Indolyl Boronates.

A ligand-free copper catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of 3,5-diiodopyridine with aryl and indole boronates has been explored in good to excellent yields. In situ generation of nano-Cu2O from CuCl2 under the reaction conditions has been discovered for the first time. The generality of the reaction was further demonstrated by the arylation of 5-iodopyrimidine, iodopyridines, iodobenzenes, and diiodobenzenes and resulted in good to moderate yields. Moreover, bisindole alkaloid Scalaridine A has been successfully synthesized in 60% overall yield.