Simple synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2-e]indole-1-carbonitriles

Abstract

Alkylation of 5-nitroindol-4-ylacetonitriles with ethyl chloroacetate, α-halomethyl ketones, and chloroacetonitrile followed by a treatment of the products with chlorotrimethylsilane in the presence of DBU gives 1-cyanopyrrolo[3,2-e]indoles substituted in position 2 with electron-withdrawing groups.

Keywords

• alkylation
• ketones
• nitriles
• pyrroloindole
• reduction
• trimethylchlorosilane