Gold-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of N-Propargylindole-2-carboxamides: Application toward the Synthesis of Lavendamycin Analogues

A series of N-propargylindole-2-carboxamides were found to undergo a AuCl 3-catalyzed cycloisomerization to give beta-carbolinones in high yield. The corresponding beta-chlorocarboline derivative was prepared and used for Pd(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling chemistry directed toward the synthesis of lavendamycin analogues.