5-Hydroxy-1H-indole-2-carboxylic Acid Ethyl Ester is an intermediate used to prepare novel N-sulfonyl-2-indole carboxamides as potent PPAR-γ binding agents with potential application to the treatment of osteoporosis. It is also used in the synthesis of potent indole-based inhibitors of the hepatitis c virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase.