A Visible‐Light‐Mediated Oxidative CN Bond Formation/Aromatization Cascade: Photocatalytic Preparation of N‐Arylindoles

Just add light and air: Structurally diverse N-arylindoles can be prepared from readily prepared o-styryl anilines through visible-light photocatalysis. The reaction, which is conducted open to air, is mediated by [Ru(bpz)3](PF6)2 (bpz=2,2′-bipyrazine) and involves both CN bond formation and aromatization (see scheme). Using suitably substituted substrates, a 1,2-carbon shift can be also incorporated into this cascade reaction. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as "Supporting Information". Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.