Intramolecular Addition of Diarylmethanols to Imines Promoted by KOt‐Bu/DMF: A New Synthetic Approach to Indole Derivatives.

KOt-Bu/DMF promoted intramolecular addition of diarylmethanols to imines was developed. A series of 2,3-disubstituted indoles was obtained in good yields. A reaction mechanism of radical cyclization and subsequent dehydration is proposed.