Palladium-Catalyzed Direct C2-Biarylation of Indoles

Biaryl and indole units are important structural motifs in several bioactive molecules and functional materials. We have accomplished straightforward access to C2-biarylated indole derivatives through palladium-catalyzed C–H activation strategy with a broad range of substrate scope in yields of 24 to 92%. Besides, the UV/visible absorption and fluorescence properties of the ensuing products were explored. The calculated higher dihedral angle and rotational barrier values for the selected C2-biarylated indoles show that these compounds may display atropisomerism at room temperature.