Synthesis of heterocycles via ligand-free palladium catalyzed reductive Heck cyclization

Synthesis of five and six membered heterocycles, indolines, 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans, chromans, isochromans, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines, in 70-99% yield by a ligand-free palladium catalyzed reductive Heck cyclization of phenyl bromides and chlorides, under mild conditions, is reported. Water was found to be essential for these reactions.