New synthetic approaches to CNS drugs. A straightforward, efficient synthesis of tetrahydroindol-4-ones and tetrahydroquinolin-5-ones via palladium-catalyzed oxidation of hydroxyenaminones

We have developed a facile and efficient synthesis of new conformationally restricted butyrophenones in the indole and quinoline series via palladium-catalyzed oxidation of hydroxyenaminones, and subsequent cyclization followed by spontaneous aromatization.