“In water” synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes: a review

Abstract

Bis(indolyl) methane (BIM) derivatives have shown numerous biological properties which has influenced the scientific fraternity to explore the length and breadth of their synthesis. Mostly, the procedure involves a catalytic electrophilic substitution reaction of indoles with various aldehydes and ketones. However, many variations have been applied from time to time to promote this reaction under green conditions. The use of water as a solvent in organic synthesis, has gained much attention due to economic and eco-friendly reasons. It has also been observed that the reactions under aqueous conditions have shown high reactivities and chemo-selectivity, which are not found in organic media. “In water synthesis” of BIMs has gained considerable recent importance and several methods have been developed. Thus, in this review we have summarized different synthetic protocols used to prepare BIMs under aqueous conditions in the last fifteen years.

Keywords:

• Green protocols
• aqua mediated
• bis-indole
• nanocatalyst
• transition metal catalyst
• acid catalysts

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to thank Faculty Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, New Delhi, for financial support of this project.