Regio-orthogonal single N-atom insertion into indoles via NO translocation (opens in new tab)

The atom-by-atom manipulation of the core molecular framework has come into reality recently. In particular, the late-stage diversification of robust aza-arenes such as indole has been at the centre of research activity because of its importance in biological and pharmaceutical studies. The previous single-atom modifications of indoles were made possible through the insertion of a reactive nitrene species into the enamine-like C2–C3 bond, resulting in the incorporation of a new atom at the 3-...