One-pot synthesis of meridianins and meridianin analogues via indolization of nitrosoarenes

Meridianins, marine alkaloids known as kinase inhibitors with an indole skeleton, and meridianin analogues were produced regioselectively and in moderate to good yields by thermal annulation of nitrosoarenes with 2-amino-4-ethynylpyrimidine and 2-chloro-4-ethynylpyrimidine, respectively, through a novel and atom-economical indolization process.