A palladium-catalyzed highly selective intramolecular C–H aminocarbonylation of Br-functionalized phenethylamines in the presence of CO was achieved while leaving the C–Br bond unreacted to afford six-membered benzolactams with good to high yields. The remaining C–Br group in the cyclized product was successfully used as a reactive center for further functionalization through various palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions.

Catalytic synthesis of indole-3-carboxamides from 2-ethynylanilines and isocyanates was achieved in the presence of a rhodium catalyst through a tandem-type, cyclization–addition sequence. This tandem-type process can be performed under mild reaction conditions, affording 2,3-disubstituted indoles in a one-pot manner generally in good to excellent yields. The broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility make the method highly efficient and widely applicable, providing a facile and entirely novel route toward variously substituted indole-3-carboxamides.