Synthesis of Indole-3-carboxylic Acid Derivatives by Pd(0)-Catalyzed Intramolecular α-Arylation of β-(2-Iodoanilino) Esters

β-(2-Iodoanilino) esters undergo intramolecular α-arylation in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 and potassium phenoxide. The reaction is a useful methodology for the preparation of indole-3-carboxylic acid ester derivatives.