A Novel One-Step Synthesis of 2-Substituted 6-Azaindoles from 3-Amino-4-picoline and Carboxylic Esters

Dilithiation of 3-amino-4-picoline (1) was achieved with sec-BuLi at room temperature. Condensation of the resulting dianion (2) with carboxylic esters afforded a wide range of 2-substituted 6-azaindoles in good yields.