Palladium-Catalyzed α-Arylation of Enones in the Synthesis of 2-Alkenylindoles and Carbazoles

A new unified strategy has been developed for the synthesis of substituted 2-alkenylindoles and carbazoles. The strategy uses palladium-catalyzed alpha-arylation of TES-enol ethers of enones as the key step. The method is highly regioselective, provides good yields, and is expected to have wide application.