Synthesis of 4- and 6-Azaindoles via the Fischer Reaction

Contrary to the common idea that Fischer indole cyclization often cannot be effectively applied to the synthesis of the corresponding azaindoles, we show that this approach can be actually very efficient for the formation of 4- and 6-azaindoles bearing an electron-donating group on the starting pyridylhydrazines. Two 4-azaindole natural product analogues were synthesized in a few steps and very good overall yields.