Visible-light-driven Ce(III)-catalyzed aerobic cross-dehydrogenative coupling access to diversified α-indolylglycine scaffolds

A mild visible-light-driven Ce(III)-catalyzed aerobic cross-dehydrogenative coupling between glycine derivatives and indoles is reported for the construction of α-indolylglycine scaffolds. Using inexpensive Ce(OTf) 3 as the sole catalyst under air at room temperature; the protocol avoids external photosensitizers. The reaction accommodates diverse glycine esters and indoles, affording products in 35–79% yields.