A convergent strategy is reported for the construction of nitrogen-containing heterocycles from common substrates: 1,4-diketones and primary amines. Indeed, by just varying the substrates, the substituents, or the heating mode, it is possible to selectively synthesize indole, indolone (1,5,6,7-tetrahydroindol-4-one), or cinnoline (5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocinnoline) derivatives in moderate to excellent yields.

A convergent strategy is reported for the construction of nitrogen-containing heterocycles from common substrates: 1,4-diketones and primary amines. Indeed, by just varying substrates, substituents or heating mode it is possible to selectively synthesize indole, indolone (1,5,6,7-tetradihydroindol-4-one) or cinnoline (5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocinnoline) derivatives in moderate to excellent yields.