A concise approach for the synthesis of 3-iodoindoles and 3-iodobenzo[b]furans via Ph3P-catalyzed iodocyclization

A variety of 3-iodoindole and 3-iodobenzo[b]furan derivatives were conveniently prepared from the corresponding 2-alkynylanilines and 2-alkynylphenols through Ph3P-catalyzed iodocyclization in the presence of N-iodosuccinimide (NIS). This protocol provides a rapid access to 3-iodoindoles and 3-iodobenzo[b]furans in good to excellent yields under mild conditions.