Convenient indole synthesis from 2-iodoanilines and terminal alkynes by the sequential Sonogashira reaction and the cyclization reaction promoted by tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF).

The sequential Sonogashira reaction and the cyclization reaction of various 2-iodoanilines and terminal alkynes in the presence of a palladium catalyst and tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) gave the corresponding 2-substituted indoles in good yields.