A new route providing access to 2-arylindoles has been developed.
The synthesis consists of a tin-mediated tandem radical cyclization
of appropriate precursors to form 2,3-disubstituted dihydroindoles,
which in turn are oxidized to yield the corresponding 2-arylindoles.
The reactions proceed smoothly under microwave irradiation, furnishing
the desired products in good yields.
indoles - cyclizations - heterocycles - radical
reactions - dehydrogenations - microwave irradiation