| abstract |
An indole derivative represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R 1 is a lower alkoxymethyl group or a formyl group, R 2 is a lower alkyl group, R 3 is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group and R 4 is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, which is useful as an intermediate for the synthesis of a compound, 5-aziridino-3-hydroxymethyl-l-methyl-2- (1H-indole-4,7-dione)prop-β-ene-α-ol, which has antitumor activity. |