A Mild Cu(I)-Catalyzed Oxidative Aromatization of Indolines to Indoles.

A novel method for the oxidation of indolines to indoles is described. The method uses a Cu(I) catalyst and an organic percarbonate as the stoichiometric oxidant. The procedure was successfully applied at 0.5 kg scale in the production of a key intermediate in the synthesis of Elbasvir, which is a novel therapy for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection.