InBr3/Cu(OTf)2-catalyzed C-alkylation of pyrroles and indoles with α-diazocarbonyl compounds

Pyrroles and indoles react smoothly with alpha-diazocarbonyl compounds in the presence of 10 mol%, of InBr3, under mild conditions to afford the corresponding 2- and 3-alkyl pyrrole and 3-alkyl indole derivatives, respectively, in good yields with high selectivity. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.