Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the efficient preparation of indole derivatives of the formula wherein X is methyl or benzyl; and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, optionally substituted alkyl, alkoxy, aralkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryl or heteroaryl; or R1 and R2 combined together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a fused 6-membered aromatic ring; by reacting indoles of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 have meanings as defined for formula I, with dimethyl carbonate when X is methyl, or with dibenzyl carbonate when X is benzyl, in the presence of a catalytic amount of a base at an ambient temperature to afford compounds of formula I wherein X, R1, R2, R3 and R4 have meanings as defined herein above. In particular, the present invention provides methylation and benzylation of the indole nitrogen in nearly quantitative yields using 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the efficient preparation of indole derivatives of the formula wherein X is methyl or benzyl; and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, optionally substituted alkyl, alkoxy, aralkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryl or heteroaryl; or R1 and R2 combined together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a fused 6-membered aromatic ring; by reacting indoles of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 have meanings as defined for formula I, with dimethyl carbonate when X is methyl, or with dibenzyl carbonate when X is benzyl, in the presence of a catalytic amount of a base at an ambient temperature to afford compounds of formula I wherein X, R1, R2, R3 and R4 have meanings as defined herein above. In particular, the present invention provides methylation and benzylation of the indole nitrogen in nearly quantitative yields using 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.