A Simple, Effective, Green Method for the Regioselective 3-Acylation of Unprotected Indoles

A fast and green method is developed for regioselective acylation of indoles in the 3-position without the need for protection of the NH position. The method is based on Friedel-Crafts acylation using acid anhydrides. The method has been optimized, and Y(OTf)3 in catalytic amounts is found to be the...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Phuong Hoang Tran, Hai Ngoc Tran, Poul Erik Hansen, Mai Hoang Ngoc Do, Thach Ngoc Le
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2015-10-01
Series:Molecules
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/20/10/19605
Description
Summary:A fast and green method is developed for regioselective acylation of indoles in the 3-position without the need for protection of the NH position. The method is based on Friedel-Crafts acylation using acid anhydrides. The method has been optimized, and Y(OTf)3 in catalytic amounts is found to be the best catalyst together with the commercially available ionic liquid [BMI]BF4 (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoro-borate) as solvent. The reaction is completed in a very short time using monomode microwave irradiation. The catalyst can be reused up to four times without significant loss of activity. A range of substituted indoles are investigated as substrates, and thirteen new compounds have been synthesized.
ISSN:1420-3049