Pd(0)-catalyzed benzylation of indole through η3-benzyl palladium intermediate

An efficient method has been developed for the Pd(0)-catalyzed benzylation of indoles, which occurred with exclusive regioselectivity. When this reaction was performed in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4, it provided access to a broad range of substituted indoles bearing diarylmethanes at their 3-position in 90%–99% yields under mild conditions.