Oxidative Cyclization of Amino Alcohols Catalyzed by a Cp*Ir Complex. Synthesis of Indoles, 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinolines, and 2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-1-benzazepine

Abstract
A new iridium-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of amino alcohols has been revealed. Indole derivatives are synthesized in good to excellent yields from 2-aminophenethyl alcohols by means of a [Cp*IrCl2]2/K2CO3 catalytic system. The present catalytic system is also effective for syntheses of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines from 3-(2-aminophenyl)propanols and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-benzazepine from 4-(2-aminophenyl)butanol.