General synthesis of pyrido[1,2-a]indoles via Pd-catalyzed cyclization of o-picolylbromoarenes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.jorganchem.2018.03.003

An efficient Pd-catalyzed cyclization of o-picolylbromoarenes into pyridoindoles has been developed. This novel transformation, which proceeds through a not common for Pd catalysis L-to X-type pyridine ligand swap, provides an efficient route to aryl-, as well as to cyanopyrido[1,2-a]indoles, not easily accessible by existing cyclization methods.