Palladium-Catalyzed Tandem Regioselective Oxidative Coupling from Indoles and Maleimides: One-Pot Synthesis of Indolopyrrolocarbazoles and Related Indolylmaleimides

An efficient Pd(II)-catalyzed approach for the direct synthesis of indolo[3,2-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-6,8-diones has been developed from both free and protected (NH) indoles and maleimides via a regioselective tandem oxidative coupling reaction. The yields are moderate to excellent. In addition, 2-substituted indoles are suitable substrates in this protocol, leading to the formation of indolylmaleimides. The present methodology provides a concise route to highly functionalized indolopyrrolocarbazole derivatives.