Synthesis of indoles from aroyloxycarbamates with alkynes via decarboxylation/cyclization.

An efficient Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation/cyclization of aroyloxycarbamates to realize substituted indoles has been disclosed. Terminal alkynes as the coupling partners lead to site specific 2-substituted indoles through two pathways, while internal alkynes with aroyloxycarbamates can be transformed to 2,3-disubstituted indoles directly. This protocol is further demonstrated by the efficient synthesis of indoles as well as the success of employing inexpensive aryl acids as starting materials to construct C-N bonds by releasing CO2.