| abstract |
A process for the preparation of a 3-alkylated indole, which comprises:-a) reacting a N-(2-nitrostyryl) enamine with an alkylating agent to afford an imine salt, b) optionally reacting the imine salt with water to afford a (2-nitrophenyl)acetaldehyde, and c) reacting the imine salt or the (2-nitrophenyl)acetaldehyde with a reducing agent capable of selectively reducing the nitro group, to afford the desired 3-alkylated indole. |