Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 2-alkenyl-3-arylindoles via a dual α-arylation strategy: formal synthesis of the antilipemic drug fluvastatin.

A new approach has been developed for the synthesis of substituted 2-alkenyl-3-arylindoles. The strategy comprises palladium-catalyzed dual α-arylation of TES-enol ethers of enones as the key step. This methodology results in products with very good yields and the regioselectivity is exclusive. We have also successfully used this dual α-arylation methodology in the formal synthesis of the cholesterol-lowering drug fluvastatin.