Preparations of melatonin and 1-hydroxymelatonin, and its novel nucleophilic dimerization to (±)-3a,3a'-bispyrrolo[2,3-b]indoles

Article abstract of DOI:10.3987/COM-99-8542

A unique synthetic method for melatonin was established through biologically promising synthetic intermediates. 1-Hydroxymelatonin was prepared as crystals for the first time. It reacted with 85% formic acid to give (±)-3a,3a'-bispyrrolo[2,3-b]indole compound, whose structure was unequivocally determined by X-Ray crystallographic analysis.