Synthesis of Indoles through Domino Reactions of 2‐Fluorotoluenes and Nitriles

Indoles are essential heterocycles in medicinal chemistry, and therefore, novel and efficient approaches to their synthesis are in high demand. Among indoles, 2‐aryl indoles have been described as privileged scaffolds. Advanced herein is a straightforward, practical, and transition‐metal‐free assembly of 2‐aryl indoles. Simply combining readily available 2‐fluorotoluenes, nitriles, LiN(SiMe3)2, and CsF enables the generation of a diverse array of indoles (38 examples, 48–92 % yield). A range of substituents can be introduced into each position of the indole backbone (C4 to C7, and aryl groups at C2), providing handles for further elaboration. Indole in Hülle und Fülle: Eine besonders einfache Synthese von Indolen wurde entwickelt. Ein 2‐Fluortoluol, ein Benzonitril, Base und CsF werden gemischt und erhitzt und liefern so 2‐Arylindole mit verschiedensten Substitutionsmustern.