In(OTf)3-Catalyzed Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydro-1H-benzo[e]indoles and 2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans via [3 + 2] Annulation

An In(OTf)3-catalyzed intermolecular [3 + 2] annulation for the synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[e]indoles and 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans from readily available substrates has been achieved. This approach takes advantage of oxetane and para-quinone methide as important functional units in the key intermediate. β-Naphthylamines and phenols have been demonstrated as excellent reaction partners.