Facile access to bis(indolyl)methanes by copper-catalysed alkylation of indoles using alcohols under air

Abstract

Bis(3-indolyl)methanes (BIM) are important and present in the structure of many alkaloid and bioactive compounds (anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiobesity, antimicrobial, etc.). Herein, we have reported an air stable and convenient Cu(OAc)2 catalyst for alkylation of indoles with alcohols to give bis(3-indolyl)methanes in very good yields.