Synthesis and Functionalization of Indoles Through Palladium-catalyzed Reactions

The substituted indole nucleus [indole is the acronym from indigo (the natural dye) and oleum (used for the isolation)] is a structural component of a vast number of biologically active natural and unnatural compounds. The synthesis and functionalization of indoles has been the object of research for over 100 years, and a variety of well-established classical methods are now available. In the last 40 years or so, however, palladium catalyzed reactions, generally tolerant of a wide range of functionalities and therefore applicable to complex molecules, have achieved an important place in the arsenal of the practicing organic chemist. The impact of palladium chemistry of indoles in academic and medicinal…