Synthesis of Substituted Indoles from 2-Azidoacrylates and <i>ortho</i>-Silyl Aryltriflates

Abstract

2-Azidoacrylates react with benzynes in the presence of PPh(3) and CsF to afford substituted indoles in good yields. The reaction involves the formation of iminophosphorane and benzyne and a subsequent double cyclization/hydrolysis/air-oxidation cascade. This methodology was utilized to synthesize 10H-indolo[1,2-a]indol-10-ones.