Heterogeneous Pd/C‐Catalyzed Ligand‐Free Direct C‐2 Functionalization of Indoles with Aryl Iodides

Abstract

The C-2 selective direct functionalization of N-methylindole derivatives with aryl iodides catalyzed by Pd supported on carbon is developed. This methodology exclusively results in C-2 arylated indoles in the absence of any ligand or directing group. The catalyst is easily recoverable from the reaction mixture and can be reused up to four cycles without any significant loss of its catalytic efficiency. Without using any additive, the current protocol is applicable for a wide range of substrates.