Synthesis of 4-(cyclic dialkylamino)-7-azaindoles by microwave heating of 4-halo-7-azaindoles and cyclic secondary amines

Nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 4-chloro- and 4-fluoro-7-azaindoles with cyclic secondary amines under microwave heating gave a straightforward and rapid synthesis of 4-(cyclic dialkylamino)-7-azaindoles. 4-Fluoro-7-azaindoles showed a greater reactivity towards SNAr reactions under these conditions than 4-chloro-7-azaindole.