Dearomative C–C and C–N bond cleavage of 2-arylindoles: transition-metal-free access to 2-aminoarylphenones

A transition-metal-free conversion of 2-arylindoles to 2-aminoarylphenones, using environmentally benign O₂ as the sole oxidant, has been developed. This novel oxidative dearomatization process involves cleavage of two C–C and one C–N bonds followed by new C–C and C–O bond formation.