7-Azaindoles via carbolithiation of vinyl pyridines

The sequential reactions of a pyridine vinylation and alkene carbolithiation constitutes a new route to substituted 7-azaindoles. The methodology involves a reaction sequence of controlled carbolithiation of the vinyl double bond, subsequent trapping of the formal di-anion intermediate with a suitable electrophile, followed by an in situ ring closure and dehydration. The reaction sequence allows for aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl and keto substituents to be included at different positions around the heterocycle.