Brønsted acid-catalyzed chemodivergent reactions of ortho-mercaptobenzyl alcohols with 3-alkyl-2-vinylindoles and styrenes: [5+2] cyclization versus hydroxysulfenylation

Abstract

Chemodivergent [5+2] cyclization and hydroxysulfenylation reactions of ortho-mercaptobenzyl alcohols with 3-alkyl-2-vinylindoles and styrenes were established in the presence of Brønsted acid, which provide efficient methods for constructing benzoxathiepine scaffolds and synthesizing β-hydroxy sulfides in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities.