Rhodium-Catalyzed Annulation of N-Acetoxyacetanilide with Substituted Alkynes: Conversion of Nitroarenes to Substituted Indoles

A general and efficient rhodium-catalyzed redox-neutral annulation of N-acetoxyacetanilides, readily accessible from nitroarenes, with alkynes has been accomplished for the synthesis of substituted indole derivatives. A wide range of substituted 2,3-diarylindoles were achieved from various substituted N-acetoxyacetanilides and symmetrical/unsymmetrical alkynes in good to excellent yields. The developed method was successfully integrated with the...