Total synthesis of modified ellipticines and is described from 2-chloronicotinic acid and respectively 5-methoxy -indole and 5-azaindole in 11 to 13 steps with overall yields of 11% and 18%. A new route to 5-azaindole has also been developed. The synthetic strategy calls for frequent use of homo- and hetero aromatic metallation reactions necessiting resolution of problems associated with the presence