Synthesis of benzocyclic ketones via palladium-catalyzed cyclization of ω-(2-iodoaryl)alkanenitriles

An efficient procedure for the synthesis of 2,2-disubstituted benzocyclic ketones by intramolecular carbopalladation of nitriles has been developed. The cyclization of substituted 3-(2-iodoaryl)propanenitriles affords indanones in high yields. The reaction is compatible with a wide variety of functional groups. This chemistry has been extended to the synthesis of tetralones, a 9-fluorenone and a cyclopentenone.