Copper-catalyzed decarboxylative C3-acylation of free (N-H) indoles with α-oxocarboxylic acids.

An efficient Cu-catalyzed decarboxylative C3-acylation of free (N-H) indoles using α-oxocarboxylic acids as acylating agents has been developed. This method was compatible with a variety of functional groups and provided an attractive alternative access to 3-acylindoles in moderate to high yields.