ZnCl2 promoted efficient, one-pot synthesis of 3-arylmethyl and diarylmethyl indoles

Anhydrous ZnCl2 mediated convenient, one-pot synthesis of 3-arylmethyl and diarylmethyl indoles was accomplished in good yields. Under reaction condition, in situ formation of kinetically stable bis(indolyl)methane product was identified. Its subsequent conversion to the thermodynamically stable 3-diarylmethyl indole at elevated temperature and pressure was confirmed by carrying out pressure tube reaction with bis(indolyl)methane.