Palladium catalyzed direct C-2 arylation of indoles

The synthesis and catalytic evaluation of palladium complexes containing NCN Pincer ligand is reported. The pincer palladium complexes as (pre)catalyst showed efficient catalytic activity for the C–H arylation of N-substituted indoles, allowing the synthesis of 2-arylindoles with moderate to good yields and excellent regioselectivities.