Pd(II)-Catalyzed [4 + 2] Heterocyclization Sequence for Polyheterocycle Generation.

A new Pd(II)-catalyzed cascade sequence for the formation of polyheterocycles, from simple starting materials, is reported. The sequence is applicable to both indole and pyrrole substrates, and a range of substituents are tolerated. The reaction is thought to proceed by a Pd(II)-catalyzed C-H activated Heck reaction followed by a second Pd(II)-catalyzed aza-Wacker reaction with two Cu(II)-mediated Pd(0) turnovers per sequence. The sequence can be considered a formal [4 + 2] heterocyclization.