Mo-Mediated Reductive Cyclization/Allylation of 2-Alkynyl Nitroarenes with 1,3-Dienes: Synthesis of 3-Allylindoles

3-Allylindoles constitute a key structural feature in many natural products and bioactive compounds. In this work, we developed a Mo-mediated reductive cyclization/allylation of 2-alkynyl nitroarenes with 1,3-dienes. Using Mo(CO)6 as both the reductant and the catalyst, a broad range of functionalized 3-allylindoles were prepared in good to excellent yields from easily available 2-alkynylnitroarenes and 1,3-dienes as starting materials.