Bi(OTf)3 as Mild, Efficient and Cost-Effective Catalyst for the Alkylation of N-Heterocycles with Epoxides

Epoxides undergo smooth ring opening with N-heterocyclic compounds such as indoles and pyrroles in the presence of a catalytic amount of bismuth triflate under mild conditions to produce C-alkylated indole and pyrrole derivatives in high yields with a high regioselectivity. Imidazole and benzotriazole affords N-alkylated products under identical conditions.