Conjugate Addition of Indoles to α,β-Unsaturated Ketones Using Bismuth (III) Bromide

Abstract

An efficient method for the conjugate addition of indoles to a variety of chalcones using BiBr3 in ethanol (190 proof) is reported. Products are isolated by a simple procedure that avoids an aqueous work up and extensive chromatography, thus minimizing waste. Bismuth (III) compounds are especially attractive from a green chemistry perspective because they are remarkably nontoxic, non-corrosive and relatively inexpensive.