Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, X and n are as defined in the claims and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are new. These compounds are useful psychotherapeutics and are potent serotonin (5-HT.sub.1) agonists and may be used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obesity, drug abuse, cluster headache, migraine, pain, chronic paroxysmal hemicrania and headache associated with vascular disorders, and other disorders arising from deficient serotonergic neurotransmission. The compounds can also be used as centrally acting hypertensives and vasodilators. A process for forming indoles by transition metal catalyzed cyclization of dihalogenated intermediate is also disclosed.