Functionalisation of the alkoxy group of alkyl aryl ethers. Demethylation, alkylthiolation and reduction of 5-methoxyindoles
摘要:
In the presence of AlX(3)-RSH three kinds of reactions may take place with 5-methoxy indoles : demethylation, alkylthiolation and reduction. The two latter reactions have never been observed to the present, with such reagents. Considerable improvement in the selective demethylation was found when PhCH(2)SH replaced EtSH previously used in such transformations. Factors leading to selective alkylthiolations or reductions are shown and mechanisms are proposed to explain these new reactions.