Palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cyclization of N-aryl imines: Indole synthesis from anilines and ketones

Y Wei, I Deb, N Yoshikai

Index: Wei, Ye; Deb, Indubhusan; Yoshikai, Naohiko Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2012 , vol. 134, # 22 p. 9098 - 9101

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Citation Number: 171

Abstract

We report here an operationally simple, palladium-catalyzed cyclization reaction of N-aryl imines, affording indoles via the oxidative linkage of two C–H bonds under mild conditions using molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant. The process allows quick and atom-economical assembly of indole rings from inexpensive and readily available anilines and ketones and tolerates a broad range of functional groups.