C3-Arylation of indoles with aryl ketones via C–C/C–H activations

Abstract

C3-Arylation of indoles with aryl ketones is accomplished via palladium-catalyzed ligand-promoted Ar–C(O) cleavage and subsequent C–H arylation of indole. Various (hetero)aryl ketones are compatible in this reaction, affording the corresponding 3-arylindoles in moderate to good yields. Further introduction of an indole moiety into the natural products desoxyestrone and evodiamine demonstrate the synthetic utility of this protocol.