Efficient syntheses of 4-, 5- and 6-benzoyl-7-azaindoles are described. Two strategies were developed: i) formation of 4-lithio and 5-lithio-7-azaindole and reaction with aldehydes and ii) organomagnesium addition to 6-cyano-7-azaindole. Both methods should allow the introduction of a diverse range of acyl substituents.