Rhodium( iii )-catalyzed C–H activation and intermolecular annulation with terminal alkynes: from indoles to carbazoles

Herein we disclose the first example of Rh(iii)-catalyzed intermolecular annulation of indoles with terminal alkynes to give highly efficient one-pot access to privileged carbazoles. The mild reaction features moderate to good yields, exclusive regioselectivity, broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group tolerance.