Synthesis of Imine and Amine-Linked Macrocycles Containing Tris-Indoles

Abstract

The synthesis of 21-membered imine- and amine-linked tris-indole macrocycles starting from 7-nitroethylindoles is described. The 7-nitroethylindoles are converted to 2,2′-diindolylmethanes and the nitro groups reduced to amino. The resulting diamines undergo reactions with indole-2,7-dicarbaldehydes to form the macrocyclic imines, which can subsequently be reduced to the macrocyclic amines.