Dual Palladium/Scandium Catalysis toward Rotationally Hindered C3-Naphthylated Indoles from β-Alkynyl Ketones and o-Alkynyl Anilines

Main observation and conclusion A new dual palladium/scandium catalysis starting from beta-alkynyl ketones and o-alkynyl anilines is reported for the first time, leading to the atom-economic synthesis of rotationally hindered C3-naphthylated indoles in moderate to good yields and high regioselectivity. This method can tolerate normal air conditions, and features the use of palladium/scandium cooperative catalysts without any ligand, facile double annulation involving various internal alkynes, and good functional group tolerance.

Automated summary

A new dual palladium/scandium catalysis method has been reported for the first time, allowing for the atom-economic synthesis of rotationally hindered C3-naphthylated indoles from beta-alkynyl ketones and o-alkynyl anilines in moderate to good yields and high regioselectivity. This method is tolerant to normal air conditions, uses palladium/scandium cooperative catalysts without any ligand, involves facile double annulation with various internal alkynes, and exhibits good functional group tolerance.