Triethylbenzylammonium chloride as a useful and efficient catalyst for the alkylation of indole/substituted indoles in water: A comparative study between conventional and microwave irradiation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/jccs.201400221

A green and facile method for the alkylation of indole/substituted indole in water using a phase Transfer catalyst (Triethylbenzylammonium Chloride, TEBA) to synthesise bis-indolyl methanes (BIMs) and Michael addition of indole to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is reported. The substitution of indoles occurred exclusively at the 3-position and products of N-alkylation has not been observed. However, for 3-substituted indoles, reactions were found to occur at the 2-position. A comparative study between conventional heating and microwave irradiation has also been reported. A comparative study between conventional heating and microwave irradiation for the alkylation of indole/substituted indole in water using a phase transfer catalyst (Triethylbenzylammonium Chloride, TEBA) to synthesise bis-indolyl methanes (BIMs) and Michael addition of indole to α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is reported.