N‐Heterocyclic‐Carbene‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 2‐Aryl Indoles

Abstract A convergent and efficient transition‐metal‐free catalytic synthesis of 2‐aryl‐indoles has been developed. The interception of a highly reactive and transient aza‐ ortho ‐quinone methide by an acyl anion equivalent generated through N‐hetereocyclic carbene catalysis is central to this successful strategy. High yields and a wide scope as well as the streamlined synthesis of a kinase inhibitor are reported.