Iodoethane → 6-benzyloxy-3-(ethyl)amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-carbazole

To a solution of 0.225 gm (0.77 mMol) 6-benzyloxy-3-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-carbazole in 20 mL acetonitrile were added 0.223 gm (1.617 mMol) potassium carbonate followed by 130 μL (1.617 mMol) iodoethane and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was then heated at 60° C. for 4 hours and then at 50°-45° C. for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The organic phase was then dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was subjected to radial chromatography (silica gel, 2 mm), eluting with 97:3:1 dichloromethane:methanol:ammonium hydroxide. Fractions shown to contain the desired compound were concentrated under reduced pressure to give 0.045 gm (6%) of the desired compound.