Microwave, flow and combination methodologies have been applied to the synthesis of a number of substituted indoles. Based on the Hemetsberger–Knittel (HK) process, modifications allow formation of products rapidly and in high yield. Adapting the methodology allows formation of 2-unsubstituted indoles and derivatives, and a route to analogs of the antitumor agent PLX-4032 is demonstrated. The utility of the HK substrates ...