Palladium-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Allylation and Benzylation of N-Alloc and N-Cbz Indoles

A set of general methods for the palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative C3-allylation and C3-benzylation of indoles, starting from the corresponding N-alloc and N-Cbz indoles, respectively, is reported. This chemistry provides ready access to a wide range of functionalized indolenines in good to excellent yields. A tandem process, wherein the palladium catalyzed allylation chemistry is coupled with a Mizoroki-Heck reaction, offers a simple route to cinnamylated products.