Photoinduced intramolecular cyclization of o-ethenylaryl isocyanides with organic disulfides mediated by diphenyl ditelluride

Photoinduced reaction of o-ethenylaryl isocyanides with organic disulfides in the presence of diphenyl ditellurides affords the corresponding bisthiolated indole derivatives via a radical cyclization process. The cyclization can proceed at room temperature upon visible-light irradiation and exhibits good tolerance to functional groups. Several organic disulfides also can be employed for this cyclization, and the corresponding bisthiolated indole derivatives are obtained selectively. In addition, the photoinduced reaction of o-ethenylaryl isocyanides with bis(2-aminophenyl) disulfide affords tetracyclic compounds in one portion.