Intramolecular Pd-catalyzed C–H functionalization: construction of fused tetracyclic bis-indole alkaloid analogues

An efficient Pd-catalyzed intramolecular indole-C2-arylation protocol for the synthesis of pharmaceutically active bis-indole alkaloid analogues from simple and readily available and 3,3′-Bis(1H-indol-3-yl)methanes derivatives has been developed. The corresponding products could be obtained in moderate to excellent yields, which permits selective modification on either one of the two indole moieties independently.