We describe the utility of a Pd/C-Cu mediated method in the synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted indoles in water via a coupling-cyclization strategy. Further application of this methodology has been demonstrated in the preparation of a target indole derivative via a 7-step process the key step being the Pd/C-mediated coupling reaction.
Keywords: C–C bond; charcoal; copper; indoles; palladium.