Synthesis of 3,3′-disubstituted-2,2′-biindolyls through sequential palladium-catalysed reactions of 2,2,2-trifluoro-N-(2-(4-[2,2,2-trifluoro-acetylamino)-phenyl]-buta-1,3-diynyl)-phenyl)-acetamide with organic halides/triflates

Palladium-catalysed reactions of aryl iodides/vinyl triflates with 2,2,2-trifluoro-N-(2-(4-2,2,2-trifluoro-acetylamino)-phenyl]-buta-1,3-diynyl)-phenyl)-acetamide provide a straightforward entry into 3,3′-disubstituted-2,2′-biindolyls. Subsequent application of the procedure to homochiral aryl iodides affords the corresponding chiral 3,3′-disubstituted-2,2′-biindolyls. The methodology can also be applied to the synthesis of benzoc]indolo2,3-a]carbazoles.