Hydrated ferric sulfate-catalyzed reactions of indole with aldehydes, ketones, cyclic ketones, and chromanones: Synthesis of bisindoles and trisindoles

Hydrated ferric sulfate [Fe₂(SO₄)₃·xH₂O] has been found to be an efficient catalyst for condensation of bisindoles or trisindoles with aliphatic or aryl aldehydes and ketones including methyl and ethyl-alkyl ketones, methyl aryl ketones, cyclic ketones, and 4-chromanones in 19–96% yields. Trisindoles and 2,2'-alkylidenebisindoles were obtained from indole-3-carbaldehydes or 3-methylindole in 72–84% yields. A total of 43 substrates was employed, giving 33 bisindoles, 3 trisindoles, and one 2:2 product; seventeen of these are new. The best results were obtained from heating ethanolic suspensions, with Fe₂(SO₄)₃·xH₂O loaded at 60 mg per mmol of electrophiles. The reaction times were typically 1–4 h, while hindered electrophiles required 8–24 h. These conditions were strong enough to promote 2:1 condensation of indole with substrates without forming higher-order byproducts, with few exceptions. This strategy features tolerance by the catalyst of a wide range of functional groups, readily available starting materials, simple operation, mild reaction conditions, and is environmentally friendly.