Ytterbium triflate catalyzed synthesis of β-functionalized indole derivatives

Ytterbium triflate was shown to be effective in promoting the synthesis of substituted indole derivatives starting from indole, aldehydes, and dimethyl malonate by a Yonemitsu-type three component reaction. The whole process was carried out in solvent-free conditions and furnished the desired adducts in 42-67% yield.