Selectivity in the Addition of Electron Deficient Radicals to the C 2 Position of Indoles

The addition of electron deficient radicals to the position of indoles has been described in the literature as opposed to electrophilic addition at the 3 position. Density functional theory calculations were used to understand the switch in regioselectivity from to for indole to undergo radical additions. Electron deficient radicals have a lower barrier for reaction at 2 and a lower energy radical intermediate that benefits from benzylic radical stabilization. Trifluoromethyl radical addition has a lower energy barrier than acetonitrile radical, and the 3 addition transition state is just 0.8 kcal/mol higher than . This is supported by experimental observations.