An enantioselective organocatalytic intramolecular ring-closing Friedel-Crafts-type alkylation of indolyl alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes has been developed. This powerful new strategy allows enantioselective access to THPIs and THBCs in a straightforward and atom-economical manner.

Palladium-catalyzed cyclocarbonylations of 2-iodoanilines with various terminal alkynes have been carried out by the use of commercially available molybdenum hexacarbonyl as a convenient and solid carbon monoxide source. The reactions were conducted at 160 °C for 30 min under microwave irradiation and in the presence of Et3N in THF, affording the corresponding 2-quinolone derivatives in good regioselectivities and yields.

Pyrano-fused indoles (II) and β-carboline (IV) are formed with high enantiomeric excess. The catalyst system is also active for the cyclization of indole (V) and phenoxy aldehyde (VII) to give the expected fused pyrans. -(LI, C.-F.; LIU, H.; LIAO, J.; CAO, Y.-J.; LIU, X.-P.; XIAO*, W.-J.; Org.

Microwave-Assisted, Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylative Cyclization -Rapid Synthesis of 2-Quinolones from Unprotected 2-Iodoanilines and Terminal Alkynes. -The described method is attractive because of the short reaction time, the operational simplicity, and the absence of toxic gaseous carbon monoxide. However, neither internal alkynes nor N-protected 2-iodoanilines can be used in this carbonylative annulation. -(CHEN, J.-R.; LIAO, J.; XIAO*, W.-J.; Can.