Decarboxylation of Tryptophan and a Synthesis of Harman (Studies on the Syntheses of Heterocyclic Compounds. DCVI)

Abstract

Thermolysis of copper (II) complex of tryptophan in various solvents led to the formation of tryptamine and indole as a by-product. Similar treatment of copper (II) complex of 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (V) afforded harman (VII) which would be formed by air-oxidation of 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroharman (VI). Thermolysis of I and V with copper powder as a catalyst or without catalyst was also examined.