Palladium-Catalyzed Tandem Intramolecular Oxy/Amino-Palladation/Isocyanide Insertion: Synthesis of α-Benzofuranyl/Indolylacetamides

A novel palladium-catalyzed approach to 2-benzofuranyl/indolylacetamides from 1-(o-hydroxy/aminophenyl)propargylic alcohols and isocyanides is described. The reaction proceeds through a cascade that includes oxy/aminopalladation, isocyanide insertion, and 1,4-hydroxyl migration. No oxidant or ligand is needed to promote the cascade, and the reactions are carried out under mild conditions to afford the products through high functional tolerance.