The reaction of ethyl3-(o-trifluoroacetamidophenyl)-1-propargyl carbonates with formate anions in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 affords 2-alkylindoles in good to excellent yields.
3-(o-Trifluoroacetamidoaryl)-1-propargylic esters: common intermediates for the palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 2-aminomethyl-, 2-vinylic, and 2-alkylindoles
3-(o-Trifluoroacetamidoaryl)-1-propargylic esters have been used as common synthetic intermediates for the preparation of a variety of 3-unsubstituted 2-substituted indoles. Treating ethyl 3-(o-trifluoroacetamidoaryl)-1-propargylic carbonates unsubstituted or containing an aryl substituent at the propargylic carbon with piperazines and Pd(PPh3)4 in THF at 80 °C affords 2-(piperazin-1-ylmethyl)indoles in excellent yields