Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes through an Alkylation Reaction of Indoles with Sodium Alkoxides

Abstract

AbstractWe describe an alkylation reaction of indoles with sodium alkoxides for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes. 1-Tetralone proved to be an efficient hydrogen acceptor, thus avoiding the use of precious transition metals such as Ru and Ir. This reaction features transition-metal-free conditions, uses readily available starting materials, and can be conducted on a gram scale.