Transition metal‐catalysed C–H activation strategies with the use of diverse directing groups have emerged as regioselective, chemoselective, and step economic tools for the synthesis of the biologically relevant indole nucleus. This review highlights the synthesis of indoles using C–H activation assisted by directing groups containing N–N and N–S bonds. An N‐atom within the directing group transforms into the indolyl nitrogen while the cleaving N–N/N–S bonds within the directing group act as internal oxidants for the completion of the catalytic turnover.
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