Domino approach to 2-aroyltrimethoxyindoles as novel heterocyclic combretastatin A4 analogues

► Replacement of the trimethoxyphenyl ring of phenstatin with a trimethoxyindole moiety. ► The 2-aroylindoles were synthesized via a palladium-catalyzed domino reaction. ► Compounds showed moderate cytotoxic and antitubulin activities. ► The 4,5,6-trimethoxy substitution pattern is an appropriate structural feature.