Convenient and Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized 2-Sulfenylindoles

A simple, efficient, and practical sulfenylation at the C2 position of N-tosylindoles under mild conditions was developed. The designed transformation is based on the reaction of N-tosylindoles with BuLi and S-alkyl, and S-aryl phosphorodithioates or thiotosylates to produce 2-sulfenylindoles in moderate to high yields. The presence of additional hydroxy, carboxy, or amino functionalities did not disturb the formation of products.