Methanol → Methyl 1H-indole-2-carboxylate

Participants

Reaction Steps

Indole-2-carboxylic acid (47.0 g, 292 mmol) was dissolved in 200 ml of methanol. To this solution was added 6 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid. The resulting mixture was heated to reflux and maintained at this temperature for about 16 hours. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and the solids were removed by filtration and then washed with 200 ml of methanol. The crystals were dried in a vacuum oven, yielding 39.5 grams (77%) of the desired title product as white needles. Analytical data obtained was consistent with the proposed title structure.

Provenance & Evidence