An efficient preparative route to 7-ethyl-1H-furo[2,3-g]indazole

A new and efficient route to 7-ethyl-1H-furo[2,3-g]indazole (2) has been developed. Treatment of 4,5-dihydro-7-(1-hydroxyethyl)indazole (12) with hydrochloric acid in ethanol resulted in a concomitant dehydration and aromatization to afford the title compound in good yield.