Base-Promoted Three-Component One-Pot Approach to 3-(α,α-Diarylmethyl)indoles via Arylation of 3-Indolylalcohols.

A base-promoted 3-component one-pot approach to 3-(α,α- diarylmethyl)indoles via arylation of in situ generated 3-indolylalcohols in ethanol–water solvent system is reported. Use of acid catalysts or neutral organocatalysts does not offer the desired product, but furnish bis(indolyl)methanes instead. Electron-rich aromatics such as naphthols and phenols are preferably employed for arylation. The atom economy, use of green solvent, and the multicomponent strategy are the notable features of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]