A versatile, traceless C–H activation-based approach for the synthesis of diversified heterocycles is reported. Rh(III)-catalyzed, N-amino-directed C–H alkenylation generates either olefination products or indoles (in situ annulation) in an atom- and step-economic manner at room temperature. The remarkable reactivity endowed by this directing group enables scale-up of the reaction to a 10 g scale at