Iron‐containing ionic liquid as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of C3‐substituted indole derivatives

Abstract

A facile and efficient protocol for the synthesis of C3‐substituted indole derivatives has been developed under mild condition. The iron‐containing ionic liquid, 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2] octanylium tetrachloroferrate ([Dabco‐C 2 OH][FeCl 4 ]) as a recyclable catalyst has been successfully used in the synthesis of trisindolines, bis(3‐indolyl) methanes and β‐indolyl alcohols for the first time. The products of trisindolines and bis(3‐indolyl) methanes are easily separated and purified without chromatographic technique. The catalyst was recycled six times without significant activity loss.