Pd-catalyzed efficient synthesis of benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2- <i>a</i> ]indoles with diaziridinone

This work describes an efficient Pd-catalyzed synthesis of benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]indoles from readily available 1-(2-iodophenyl)-1<i>H</i>-indoles and di-<i>t</i>-butyldiaziridinone. A variety of benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]indoles can be obtained in up to 96% yield. The reaction likely proceeds <i>via</i> an intramolecular aryl C-H activation to form a pallada(II)cycle, which is subsequently bisaminated with di-<i>t</i>-butyldiaziridinone.