Amberlite IRA-400 Cl resin catalyzed synthesis of secondary amines and transformation into N-((1H-indol-3-yl) (heteroaryl) methyl)-N-heteroaryl benzenamines and bis-indoles via multicomponent reaction

A one-pot Amberlite IRA-400 Cl resin catalyzed the in-situ generation of imines from various aldehydes and primary amines followed by reduction with sodium borohydride affording corresponding secondary amines. The secondary amines thus obtained were utilized for the IRA-400 Cl resin catalyzed multicomponent synthesis of 3-aminoalkylated indoles using a number of aldehydes and indole. Mild condition, easy work-up, and environmentally benign nature of the synthetic strategy make it both practical and attractive.