1-([1,1'-Biphenyl]-2-ylmethyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-acetamide. A mixture of 1.18 g (2.86 mmol) of 1-([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-ylmethyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-acetic acid ethyl ester and 3 mL of hydrazine in 20 mL of ethanol was heated to maintain reflux for 16 hours. After cooling, water was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate solution was washed with brine, dried (MgSO4), and concentrated to give 1.02 g of 1-([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-ylmethyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-acetic acid hydrazide. A mixture of 576 mg (1.44 mmol) of this material and 300 mg of Raney Ni in 20 mL of ethanol was heated to maintain reflux for 3 hours. After cooling the solvent was decanted and the Raney Ni washed twice with methylene chloride. The combined organic solvents were concentrated at reduced pressure and the residue chromatographed on silica gel and eluted with ethyl acetate to give 369 mg (67% yield) of 1-([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-ylmethyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-acetamide.
