Rhodium-catalyzed regioselective C(sp2)–H bond activation reactions of N-(hetero)aryl-7-azaindoles and cross-coupling with α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides.

• C(sp2)–H bond activation reactions of N -(hetero)aryl-7-azaindoles. • Cross-coupling with α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides. • High regioselectivity. • Excellent chemical yields and good functional group tolerance. We described a protocol for rhodium-catalyzed C(sp2)–H bond activation reactions of N- (hetero)aryl-7-azaindoles and cross-coupling with α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides. In the C–H activation reaction, the 7-azaindole moiety acts as a directing group, which results in high regioselectivity. The protocol features excellent chemical yields and good functional group tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]