Magnetically recyclable CuFe2O4 catalyst for efficient synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes using indoles and alcohols under mild condition

• Published in: Catalysis communications Vol. 149; p. 106240
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Ngoc-Khanh, Ha, Minh-Tuan, Bui, Hoang Yen, Trinh, Quang Thang, Tran, Bich Ngoc, Nguyen, Van Tuyen, Hung, Tran Quang, Dang, Tuan Thanh, Vu, Xuan Hoan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.01.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alkylation; Bifunctional catalysis; Bis(3-indolyl)methane; CuFe2O4; Indole functionalization; Bis(3-indolyl)methane; Bifunctional catalysis; Alkylation; CuFe2O4; Indole functionalization
• ISSN: 1566-7367; 1873-3905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.catcom.2020.106240

Bis(3-indolyl)methanes (BIM) are highly valuable and appear in the core structure of many natural products and pharmacologically active compounds (anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, antimetastatic, antimicrobial, etc.). Herein, we have disclosed an air stable and highly efficient CuFe2O4 heterogeneous catalyst for alkylation of indoles with alcohols to give bis(3-indolyl)methanes in very good yields. The CuFe2O4 catalyst has been found to be magnetically recycled at least five times without losing significant catalytic activity. [Display omitted] •An efficient CuFe2O4 nanoparticles catalyst for the alkylation of indoles with alcohols.•O2 in air was found to be the oxidant in the oxidation of alcohol to aldehyde.•The utilization of challenging aliphatic alcohols as alkylating reagents was explored.•The CuFe2O4 catalyst was recycled at least five times without losing the significant catalytic activity.