Hydrogen-Transfer-Mediated N-Arylation of Naphthols Using Indolines as Hydrogen Donors.

Using a hydrogen-transfer-mediated activation mode, we report a new catalytic system for the transfer hydrogenation of naphthols. In the presence of the Pd/C catalyst and base, various naphthols reacted with indolines to afford N-aryl-substituted heterocyclic compounds. Indolines were found to act as novel hydrogen donors for naphthols under palladium catalysis. This method features good functional tolerance, operational simplicity, and a readily available catalyst.