Hydrochloric Acid → 5-(2-Phenylethyl)-1H-indole

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of the 3-ethyloxycarbonyl-5-phenethylindole (0.4 g, 1.5 mmol) in EtOH 95% (10 ml) was added an excess of KOH (0.5 g) and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 2 h. The solution was acidified with 1N HCl (10 ml) and the precipitated material was collected by filtration. The solid was washed well with H2O (2×10 ml) to give the corresponding acid. The acid (0.3 g, 1.2 mmol) was immersed in an oil bath and then heated at about 235°-240° C. for 15 min to give a brown syrup. Distillation of the oil under high vacuum provided 5-phenethylindole.

Provenance & Evidence