A general modular method of azaindole and thienopyrrole synthesis via Pd-catalyzed tandem couplings of gem-dichloroolefins.

A palladium-catalyzed reaction of gem-dichloroolefins and a boronic acid via a tandem intramolecular C-N and intermolecular Suzuki coupling process gave corresponding substituted azaindoles or thienopyrroles. This method is a very modular protocol to synthesize all four isomers of azaindole and two isomers of thienopyrroles in good to excellent yield.