Direct functionalization of indoles: copper-catalyzed malonyl carbenoid insertions.

Indoles, when treated with dimethyl diazomalonate under catalysis by Cu(acac)(2), undergo C-H insertion reactions regioselectively depending on the substitution pattern on the indole moiety. Indoles where the 3-position is substituted give high yields of the C2-H insertion product. Microwave conditions are also disclosed which show comparable yields with reduced reaction times.