Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes using a Catalytic Amount of ZnO under Solvent‐Free Conditions

Abstract

Efficient electrophilic substitution reactions of indoles with various aromatic aldehydes were carried out using a catalytic amount of ZnO under solvent‐free conditions to afford the corresponding bis(indolyl)methanes in excellent yields. Among the various methods published for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methane, ZnO is a very cheap, environmentally friendly, and reusable catalyst that can be used for synthesis of a new range of bis(indolyl)methane derivatives.