Conversion of 2,3-Dihydropyrroloindoles to 2-(Alkylthio)-L-tryptophans

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00200a008

2,3-Dihydropyrrolo<2,3-b>indoles, easily derived from tryptophan derivatives by oxidation, are efficiently converted (48-85percent) to 2-(alkylthio)tryptophan derivatives with thiols such as mercaptoethanol, ethanethiol, cysteine, or glutathione in ammonium bicarbonate buffered dioxane or dimethylformamide at 55 deg C.