Synthesis of indoles from aroyloxycarbamates with alkynes via decarboxylation/cyclizationElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details, compound characterization, and copies of 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. See DOI: 10.1039/c8ob00086g

An efficient Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation/cyclization of aroyloxycarbamates to realize substituted indoles has been disclosed. Terminal alkynes as the coupling partners lead to site specific 2-substituted indoles through two pathways, while internal alkynes with aroyloxycarbamates can be transformed to 2,3-disubstituted indoles directly. This protocol is further demonstrated by the efficient synthesis of indoles as well as the success of employing inexpensive aryl acids as starting materials to construct C-N bonds by releasing CO 2 . Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylation/cyclization of aroyloxycarbamates with alkynes to construct C-N bonds.