Synthesis of Indolyl Imidazole Derivatives via Base-Promoted Tandem Reaction of N-[2-(1-Alkynyl)phenyl]carbodiimides with Isocyanides

An efficient route to indolyl imidazole derivatives has been developed through a base-promoted tandem reaction of N-[2-(1-alkynyl)phenyl]carbodiimides with isocyanides in DMSO at 40 degrees C. The present tandem process allows the assembly of a variety of indolyl imidazole derivatives in moderate to good yields.