Sequential alkylation/cyclization/isomerization of ethyl 3-(o-trifluoroacetamidoaryl)-1-propargylic esters: a new route to 2-acyl- and 2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-alkenyl indoles

The reaction of ethyl 3-(o-trifluoroacetamidoaryl)-1-propargylic esters with ethyl iodoacetate or α-bromoacetophenone in the presence of K2CO3 in DMSO provides a new simple access to 2-acyl- and 2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-alkenyl indoles.