A general method has been developed for the large scale synthesis of 2-alky
l-7-methoxyindoles and analogs. This method involves an efficient preparati
on of the key intermediates, 1-(2-nitroaryl)-2-nitroalkanols and 1-(2-nitro
aryl)-2-nitroalkenes, and affords 2-alkyl-7-methoxyindoles and analogs in 3
steps with good overall yields.