Water → N-methyl-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

Sodium hydride (375 mq, 15.6 mmol) was added to dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (13 cm3) under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The solution was then heated to 70° C. until no more gas (H2) evolved. The solution was cooled to room temperature and 5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole (2.69 g, 13.1 mmol) dissolved in a minimum amount of DMSO was added. After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, dimethyl sulphate (1.5 cm3, 15 mmol) was introduced, and stirring continued for a further 1 hour. Water (3 cm3) was cautiously added, and the reaction then poured into ice/water. The solid thus formed was collected by suction filtration, washed firstly with water, dried on the water pump, and then washed with petrol (60°-80° C.). Crystallization from ethanol yielded colourless needles of the title compound. Yield: 1.52 g (53%). M.p. 152° C. 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ: 3.55 (2H, s,), 3.85 (3H, s,), 6.8-7.4 (8H, m, arom.).

Provenance & Evidence