Facile access to 2-arylindolines and 2-arylindoles by microwave-assisted tandem radical cyclization

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.