Intramolecular Carbocupration of N-Aryl-ynamides: A Modular Indole Synthesis

A modular indole synthesis based on an intramolecular 5-endo-dig carbocupration starting from readily available N-aryl-ynamides Is reported. A variety of ynamides are converted to indoles in moderate to good yields and with varying substitution pattern on the indole ring. This further extends the synthetic utility of ynamides in organic synthesis and provides additional insights on the use of intramolecular carbometalation reactions.