Methyl 5,6-dimethoxy-1H-indole-2-carboxylate

Abstract

The title compound, C12H13NO4, was prepared as a precursor to an indole derivative with possible antimitotic properties. The molecule is very nearly planar; the maximum deviation of any non-H atom from the mean plane of the indole ring is 0.120 (3) Å for each of two methoxy C atoms. The pairs of molecules related by the inversion centre at (0,0,1over2) are connected by two symmetry-equivalent N—H...O hydrogen bonds, while the pairs of molecules related by the inversion centre at (0,0,0) exhibit a π-stacking interaction of the indole rings, with an interplanar separation of 3.39 (3) Å.