Palladium-catalyzed tandem intramolecular oxy/amino-palladation/isocyanide insertion: synthesis of α-benzofuranyl/indolylacetamides.

A novel palladium-catalyzed approach to 2-benzofuranyl/indolylacetamides from 1-(o-hydroxy/aminophenyl)propargylic alcohols and isocyanides is described. The reaction proceeds through a cascade that includes oxy/aminopalladation, isocyanide insertion, and 1,4-hydroxyl migration. No oxidant or ligand is needed to promote the cascade, and the reactions are carried out under mild conditions to afford the products through high functional tolerance.