Photoredox Catalysis Induced Bisindolylation of Ethers/Alcohols via Sequential C-H and C-O Bond Cleavage.

A visible-light-engaged 2-fold site-selective alkylation of indole derivatives with aliphatic ethers or alcohols has been accomplished for easy access to symmetric 3,3'-bisindolylmethane derivatives. The experimental data suggest a sequential photoredox catalysis induced radical addition and proton-mediated Friedel-Crafts alkylation mechanism.

Manganese-catalyzed synthesis of monofluoroalkenes via C-H activation and C-F cleavage.

The manganese-catalyzed α-fluoroalkenylation of arenes via C-H activation and C-F cleavage has been described. This protocol provides a very useful method for the synthesis of monofluoroalkenes with predominant unconventional E-isomer selectivity which complements the existing strategies for the access to these molecular architectures. In addition, the selectivity of ß-defluorination in the catalytic cycle not only determines the configurations of the products but also obviates the use of external oxidants, providing a good example in the exploitation of manganese-catalyzed redox-neutral C-H transformations.