Sodium Hydroxide → 6-hydroxy-1-ethyl-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile

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Reaction Steps

To a solution of 1-ethyl-6-methoxy-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile (2.85 g, 14.2 mmol), prepared by example 1A, step B, in CH2Cl2 (40 mL) is added a 1M solution of BBr3 in CH2Cl2 (28.5 mL, 28.5 mmol) at 0° C. The mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and kept for 2.5 h. The dark reaction mixture is then poured onto ice and sufficient 1M NaOH is added until the pH is 8-9. The product is extracted with CH2Cl2 (3×) and the combined organic phases are washed with saturated NaHCO3, H2O and saturated NaCl. After drying over MgSO4, the solution is concentrated and the product is purified by chromatography (EtOAc/CH2Cl2, 0-10%) to afford 2.15 g (82%) of 6-hydroxy-1-ethyl-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile as a yellow solid.

Provenance & Evidence