A facile synthesis of 1-alkyl-7-azaisatins

1-alkyl-7-azaisatins are synthesized from the reaction of 1-alkyl-7-azaindoles with bromine in dichloromethane and subsequent oxidation with N-bromosuccinimide - dimethyl sulfoxide reagent. 1-Alkyl-7-azaindoles are readily available in high yields from the reaction of sodium salt of 7-azaindole with the appropriate alkyl halides in dimethylacetamide.