One-pot synthesis of 2-substituted indoles from 2-aminobenzyl phosphonium salts. A formal total synthesis of arcyriacyanin A.

The reaction of (2-aminobenzyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide with aromatic aldehydes or alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes under microwave-assisted conditions constitutes a new synthesis of 2-substituted indoles in high yields (81-97%) in a one-pot reaction. The adduct from indole-4-carboxaldehyde was an advanced intermediate in the synthesis of arcyriacyanin A.