Copper(I) Iodide Catalyzed 3-Sulfenylation of Indoles with Unsymmetric Benzothiazolyl-Containing Disulfides at Room Temperature

A highly efficient protocol for the synthesis of 3-sulfenylindoles in moderate to excellent yields via the reaction of indoles with unsymmetric benzothiazolyl-containing disulfides is described. Copper(I) iodide is used as the catalyst and the reactions take place at room temperature. The by-product, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, can be easily recovered and reused.