A practical method for N-methylation of indoles using dimethyl carbonate

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/op0102215

A new method for N-methylation of indoles using environmentally safe and less toxic methylating reagent, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), has been developed. The effect of various functional groups on the indole ring has been investigated. This method provides the desired product in high yields with high purity and is suitable for large-scale production. This process was used successfully in a 300-gal reactor train for N-methylation of 6-nitroindole.