An expedient synthesis of 3-substituted indoles via reductive alkylation with ketones

3-Alkylindoles were prepared in one step from indoles and ketones via a convenient reductive alkylation procedure using triethylsilane and trichloroacetic acid. Under this particular condition, unsubstituted indoles could be tolerated to afford good yields of 3-sec-alkylation products. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.