Indium-mediated allylation/propargylation of α-diazoketones: a facile synthesis of 1-bromo-2-alkyl- or 2-arylpent-4-en-2-ols

α-Diazoketones undergo smooth allylation with successive bromide insertion with allylindium bromide generated in situ from allyl bromide and indium metal to produce 1-bromo-2-alkyl- or 2-arylpent-4-en-2-ols in high yields. Addition of propargylindium bromide produces 1-bromo-2-alkyl-or 2-arylpent-4-yn-2-ols under similar conditions.