A unique copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction by hydrogen (H2) removal for the stereoselective synthesis of 3-phosphoindoles.

The first Cu(I)-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction by hydrogen (H2) removal for the stereoselective synthesis of 3-phosphoindoles is reported. Going beyond the oxidative dehydrogenative coupling reactions reported recently, this reaction completely omits the oxidant and base, producing hydrogen (H2) as the only byproduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]