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. Indoles galore: A remarkably easy synthesis of indoles is introduced. Simply combining 2‐fluorotoluenes, benzonitriles, base, and CsF followed by heating results in the formation of 2‐aryl indoles with diverse substitution patterns.