Palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cyclization of N-aryl imines : indole synthesis from anilines and ketones

We report here an operationally simple, palladium-catalyzed cyclization reaction of N-aryl imines, affording indoles via the oxidative linkage of two C–H bonds under mild conditions using molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant. The process allows quick and atom-economical assembly of indole rings from inexpensive and readily available anilines and ketones and tolerates a broad range of functional groups