PMA-SiO₂–Mediated MCR in PEG-400: A Greener aza-Friedel–Crafts Reaction Leading to 3-Arylmethyl/Diarylmethyl Indoles

Abstract

A greener approach for the synthesis of 3-arylmethyl/diarylmethyl indoles has been achieved via a PMA-SiO 2 mediated three-component reaction (the aza-Friedel-Crafts reaction) involving indoles, aldehydes and N,N-disubstituted anilines in PEG-400. A variety of indole derivatives were prepared by using this operationally simple and straight forward methodology in acceptable yields.