Synthesis of simple 3,4-diarylpyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acids and lukianol A by oxidative condensation of 3-arylpyruvic acids with ammonia

Several derivatives of 3,4-diaryl- and 3,4-diindolylpyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acids including lycogalic acid A and two Halomonas metabolites were synthesized by oxidative dimerization of arylpyruvic acids or arylpyruvates in the presence of ammonia. The reaction can be applied for a short synthesis of lukianol A.