Palladium-catalyzed cascade process consisting of isocyanide insertion and benzylic C(sp3)-H activation: concise synthesis of indole derivatives.

Synthesis of the indole skeleton was achieved using a Pd-catalyzed cascade process consisting of isocyanide insertion and benzylic C(sp(3))-H activation. It was found that slow addition of isocyanide is effective for reducing the amount of catalyst needed and Ad(2)P(n)Bu is a good ligand for C(sp(3))-H activation. The construction of the tetracyclic carbazole skeleton was also achieved by a Pd-catalyzed domino reaction incorporating alkyne insertion.