Photoredox Catalysis Induced Bisindolylation of Ethers/Alcohols via Sequential C–H and C–O Bond Cleavage

A visible-light-engaged 2-fold site-selective alkylation of indole derivatives with aliphatic ethers or alcohols has been accomplished for easy access to symmetric 3,3'-bisindolylmethane derivatives. The experimental data suggest a sequential photoredox catalysis induced radical addition and proton-mediated Friedel-Crafts alkylation mechanism.