Synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indoles from alkynylanilines and 2-chlorophenols using palladium–dihydroxyterphenylphosphine catalyst

[Display omitted] •Synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indoles bearing 2-hydroxyphenyl groups at the C3 positions has been achieved.•Readily available chlorophenols can be used as substrates.•Only the Pd–DHTP catalyst can effectively catalyze the desired reaction.•2-Chloro group of 2,4-dichlorophenol reacts selectively. 2,3-Disubstituted indoles bearing 2-hydroxyphenyl moieties at their C3 positions were synthesized from readily available 2-chlorophenols and alkynylanilines via aminopalladation/reductive elimination using Pd–dihydroxyterphenylphosphine catalyst. The catalyst accelerates the introduction of the 2-hydroxyphenyl group at the C3 position of the indole.