Development of a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction between 2-azidoarylboronic pinacolate esters and vinyl triflates to enable the synthesis of [2,3]-fused indole heterocycles.

The scope and limitations of a Suzuki reaction between 2-azidoarylboronic acid pinacolate esters and vinyl triflates are reported. This cross-coupling reaction enables the regioselective synthesis of indoles after a subsequent Rh(II)2-catalyzed sp(2)-C-H bond amination reaction.