| abstract |
PURPOSE:To obtain indole or an indole derivative in high selectivity and purity from an inexpensive raw material in one step with extremely little production of by-product, by reacting anilines with ethanolamines in the presence of a solid acid catalyst. CONSTITUTION:The titled compound (e.g. 5-methylindole) can be produced by reacting anilines (e.g. p-toluidine) with ethanolamines (e.g. ethanolamine) in the presence of a solid acid catalyst [selected from (1) a catalyst containing sulfide or selenide of Pd, Pt, Cr, Fe, Ni, Co, Zn, Mo, Cd and W and (2) a catalyst containing an inorganic salt of at least one kind of element selected from Fe, Tl, Ca, Mn, Bi, Pb, Sr, Y, Al, Ni, In, Be, Co, Ga and lanthanide elements] preferably at 200-600 deg.C in H2(-containing) gas atmosphere in the presence of water or steam. |