Synthesis of 2-Arylindoles through Pd(II)-Catalyzed Cyclization of Anilines with Vinyl Azides.

Vinly azides are featured as electrophiles, nucleophiles, and radical acceptors in synthetic chemistry and have emerged as rapid and versatile synthons in the preparation of N-heterocyclic systems. Herein, a novel approach to 2-arylindoles via Pd(II)-catalyzed cyclization reaction of anilines with vinyl azides has been achieved, which furnishes the versatile 2-arylindoles with high efficieny and excellent regioselectivity.