Abstract
A novel method for the preparation of indole derivatives that are alkoxy- and hydroxy-substituted in the benzene portion of the indole nucleus is described. The acid-induced cyclization reaction of (arylsulfonyl)pyrrole derivatives (4a, 5b, and 5a) in the presence of an appropriate alcohol gave 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-alkoxyindole derivatives (13 and 28), respectively, where the alkoxy group was originated from the alcohol employed. As an application of the present method, a short and efficient synthesis of two dopamine agonists (34 and 44) was attained by treating appropriately functionalized pyrrole derivatives (38 and 41) with an acid in the presence of 1, 3-propanediol, followed by deprotection of alkoxy function, and subsequent reduction with lithium aluminum hydride. A reaction mechanism is also suggested for the formation of an unusual product, 4-[2-(diprophlamino)-1-hydroyethyl]-6-hydroxyindole (46) in the reduction of N, N-dipropyl-(6-hydroxy-1-phenylsulfonyl)indole-4-acetamide (40).
