Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes through an Alkylation Reaction of Indoles with Sodium Alkoxides

Herein we wish to describe an alkylation reaction of indoles with sodium alkoxides for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes. 1-Tetralone was proved to be an efficient hydrogen acceptor thus avoiding the use of precious transition metals such as Ru and Ir. This reaction features transition metal-free conditions, readily available starting materials, and gram-scale synthesis.