Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions Involving 1,2-Indole Migration.

A cascade reaction of indoles with propargylic diols involving an unprecedented metal-free 1,2-indole migration onto an alkyne was carried out. DFT calculations support a mechanism consisting of a concerted nucleophilic attack of the indole nucleus with loss of water, followed by the 1,2-migration and subsequent Nazarov cyclization. This Brønsted acid-catalyzed protocol affords indole-functionalized benzofulvene derivatives in high yields.