Expedient synthesis of 1-vinylpyrrole-2-carbaldehydes

1-Vinylpyrrole-2-carbaldehydes and 1-vinyl-4,5-dihydrobenzo[g]indole-2-carbaldehyde were synthesized in 56-91% yields from their 1-vinyl derivatives by a modified Vilsmeier-Haack reaction. A low temperature (−78 °C) is required to avoid removal of the N-vinyl group, whereas at elevated temperature (reflux in 1,2-dichloroethane) the latter process leads to direct conversion of 1-vinylpyrroles to pyrrole-2-carbaldehydes.