Boron tribromide → 1-Benzyl-2-ethyl-1H-indol-4-OL

Participants

Reaction Steps

3.1 g (11.7 mmol) of 2-ethyl-4-methoxy-1-(phenylmethyl)-1H-indole was O-demethylated by treating it with 48.6 mL of 1M BBr3 in methylene chloride with stirring at room temperature for 5 hours, followed by concentration at reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with brine and dried (MgSO4). After concentrating at reduced pressure, the residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 20% EtOAc/hexane to give 1.58 g (54% yield) of 2-ethyl-4-hydroxy-1-(phenylmethyl)-1H-indole, mp, 86-90° C.

Provenance & Evidence