Efficient synthesis of 3 H-indoles enabled by the lead-mediated α-arylation of β-ketoesters or γ-lactams using aryl azides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ol5010615

The development of a lead-mediated α-arylation reaction between aryl azides and β-ketoesters or γ-lactams that facilitates the formation of 3H-indoles is disclosed. Twenty-five examples are included which demonstrate the generality of this reaction to access aryl azides bearing tetrasubstituted o-alkyl substituents. When paired with a Staudinger reduction, this reaction streamlines the synthesis of functionalized 3H-indoles.