Heterobimetallic Pd–Sn catalysis: highly selective intermolecular hydroarylation of α-methyl substituted aryl alkenes

The heterobimetallic catalyst [Pd(COD)Cl–SnCl3] efficiently promotes the intermolecular hydroarylation of α-methyl substituted arenes (otherwise known to be dimerized/polymerized in presence of Lewis Acids) with indoles and other O-, S-heteroarenes leading to Markovnikov adducts. The reaction takes place under air and moisture insensitive condition.