Transition-metal-catalyzed straightforward synthesis of N -trifluoromethyl indoles from 2-alkynylaryl isothiocyanates or 2-alkynylanilines

Indoles, as important N-heteroaromatic skeletons, are widely used in the fields of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and biological sciences, but N -trifluoromethyl indoles have been rarely explored. So far, the main methods to access N -trifluoromethyl indoles include oxidative desulfurization–fluorination of dithiocarbamates and the Fischer indole synthesis via the reaction of N -CF 3 hydrazine and ketones. We report herein efficient straightforward strategies for the synthesis of N -trifluoromethyl indoles through desulfurization–fluorination/cyclization of 2-alkynylaryl isothiocyanates or 2-alkynylanilines under mild conditions. These cascade reactions possess a good substrate scope and functional group compatibility, providing a variety of N -trifluoromethyl indoles in moderate to high yields.