Direct synthesis of 3-arylindoles via annulation of aryl hydroxylamines with alkynes

3-Arylindoles are produced in moderate to excellent yields from the reaction between aryl hydroxylamines and alkynes catalyzed by 10 mol % iron(II) phthalocyanine [Fe(Pc)]. Terminal and internal alkynes afford 3-aryl substituted indoles exclusively. Electron-donating and -withdrawing groups are tolerated on the aryl hydroxylamine. A few bioactive indoles are synthesized as well as several new indoles using this one-step intermolecular annulation procedure.