Copper-catalyzed tandem intramolecular cyclization/coupling reaction: solvent effect on reaction pathway

In this study, we developed direct methods for the synthesis of 3-substituted indoles from o-alkynylanilines by utilizing a copper-catalyzed tandem intramolecular cyclization/coupling reaction under mild and simple reaction conditions. Our investigation revealed that choice of the aprotic polar solvents and additives such as camphorsulfonic acid is critical in this reaction.