Indole synthesis through transition metal-catalyzed C-H activation

Indole synthesis is among one of the most important tasks in N-heterocyclic chemistry. Versatile synthetic methods have been developed for the establishment of an indole backbone, but concise and straightforward routes to access indole derivatives have been strongly desired. This digest paper summarizes the major advances in catalytic synthesis of indoles through transition-metal-catalyzed C-H activation during the last five years. Brief discussions are given for possible applications of these synthetic protocols. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.