Fig. 1: Strategies in C–H functionalization of (hetero)aromatic compounds.

a Transient directing groups in transition metal-catalyzed C–H activations. b Pre-installed directing groups in assorted metallocarbene C–H insertions. c The ester ‘dance’ reaction developed by Yamaguchi. d Selected natural products bearing the 2,3-disubstituted indole scaffold; e This work: a transition metal-catalyzed sequential indole carboxamide translocation/C3-functionalization with metallocarbenes.