2-aryl and 2-heteroaryl indoles from 1-alkynes and o-lodotrifluoroacetanilide through a domino copper-catalyzed coupling-cyclization process

[GRAPHICS] A general method for the synthesis of 2-aryl and 2-heteroaryl indoles from aryl iodides and 1-alkynes through a domino copper-catalyzed process is reported. The best results have been obtained with [Cu(phen)(PPh3)(2)]NO3 in the presence of K3PO4 in toluene or dioxane at 110 degreesC. 2-Aryl and 2-heteroaryl indoles can also be isolated in good yields by using catalysts derived from CuI and PPh3 in dioxane at 110 degreesC.