Benzyl Bromide → Indole

Participants

Reaction Steps

2-Ethyl-4-methoxy-1H-indole (4.2 g, 24 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of DMF and 960 mg (24 mmol) of 60% NaH/minerial oil was added. After 1.5 hours, 2.9 mL(24 mmol) of benzyl bromide was added. After 4 hours, the mixure was diluted with water and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ethyl acetate was washed with brine, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated at reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel and eluted with 20% EtOAc/hexane to give 3.1 g (49% yield) of 2-ethyl-4-methoxy-1-phenylmethyl)-1H-indole.

Provenance & Evidence