Potassium Carbonate → 5-(2-methoxyethoxy)-1H-indole

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 5-hydroxy-indole (15.2 g, 114 mmol) in 250 ml of dry acetone 2-methoxyethyl iodide (15 ml, 141 mmol, 1.25 equiv) and anhydrous K2CO3 (46.7 g, 338 mmol, 3 equiv) are added and the mixture is refluxed. Additional amounts of 0.5 equiv of 2-methoxyethyl iodide and K2CO3 are added each day. After 6 days TLC (toluene-acetone, 9:1) indicates the absence of starting material. The solid is removed by filtration, and the solvent is evaporated. The residue is taken up in dichloromethane (800 ml) and the solution is washed with 2 M aqueous HCl, 10% aqueous NaHCO3, and water. The organic layer is dried and concentrated. Column chromatography (toluene-acetone, 9:1) provides 5-(2-methoxyethoxy)-1H-indole (18.8 g, 86%). M.p. 58-60° C. (from ethyl acetate-light petroleum).

Provenance & Evidence