A practical synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes catalyzed by BF3·Et2O

Practical BF3·Et2O catalyzed reactions between indoles and a series of carbonyl compounds at room temperature are described, which afford bis(indolyl)methanes with isolated yields up to 96%.

Graphical abstractPractical BF3·Et2O catalyzed reactions between indoles and a series of carbonyl compounds at room temperature are described, which afford bis(indolyl)methanes with isolated yields up to 96%.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide