Sonogashira coupling and cyclization reactions on alumina: a route to aryl alkynes, 2-substituted-benzo[b]furans and 2-substituted-indoles

A solventless, microwave-enhanced Sonogashira coupling reaction of aromatic iodides with terminal alkynes on potassium fluoride doped alumina in the presence of palladium powder, cuprous iodide, and triphenylphosphine has been developed. The reaction can be utilized to prepare aryl alkynes in excellent yields. The coupling of o-iodophenol with terminal alkynes leads to the formation 2-substituted-benzo[b]furans. Whereas the coupling of o-iodoanilines with terminal alkynes generates indole products. An in situ desilylation reaction was also developed.