Methylamine → N-Methyl-1H-indole-3-methanamine

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of indole-3-carboxaldehyde (5.4 g, 34.1 mmole) in MeOH (30 mL) was added a solution of 2.0 M CH3NH2 in MeOH (51.3 mL, 102.6 mmole). The reaction was stirred at RT overnight, then was concentrated to a light yellow oil. This oil was dissolved in EtOH (40 mL), and NaBH4 (1.3 g, 34.1 mmole) was added. After 16 hrs the reaction was concentrated to a slurry and dissolved in 10% Na2CO3(100 mL). The aqueous solution was extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL) and the combined organic fractions were dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. Drying in high vacuum left the title compound (5.2 g, 94%) as a faintly yellow oil: MS (ES) m/e 161 (M+H)+.

Provenance & Evidence