Au(III)/TPPMS-catalyzed benzylation of indoles with benzylic alcohols in water.

A novel and efficient method for the Au(III)/TPPMS-catalyzed direct substitution reaction of benzhydryl and benzylic alcohols with indoles in water is developed. Au(III)/TPPMS is an effective catalyst for the benzylation of the strong π nucleophile 1-methylindole, while common Brønsted or Lewis acids are ineffective.