Hemetsberger indole synthesis

The Hemetsberger indole synthesis (also called the Hemetsberger–Knittel synthesis) is a chemical reaction that thermally decomposes a 3-aryl-2-azido-propenoic ester into an indole-2-carboxylic ester.[1][2]

Yields are typically above 70%. However, this is not a popular reaction, due to the lack of stability and difficulty in synthesizing the starting material.

Reaction mechanism

The mechanism is unknown. However, aziridine[3] intermediates have been isolated. The mechanism is postulated to proceed via a nitrene intermediate.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Hemetsberger, H.; Knittel, D. (1972). "Synthese und Thermolyse von α-Azidoacrylestern". Monatsh. Chem. 103: 194. doi:10.1007/BF00912944.
  2. ↑ Gribble, G. W. (2000). "Recent developments in indole ring synthesis-methodology and applications". J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. (7): 1045–1075. doi:10.1039/a909834h.
  3. ↑ Gilchrist, T. L. (2001). "Activated 2H-Azirines as Dienophiles and Electrophiles" (PDF). Aldrichimica Acta 34 (2): 51.
  4. ↑ Knittel, D. (1985). "Verbesserte Synthese von α-Azidozimtsäure-estern und 2H-Azirinen". Synthesis 1985 (2): 186–188. doi:10.1055/s-1985-31149.
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