Regioselective Friedel-Crafts acylation of indoles catalysed by zinc oxide in an ionic liquid

Abstract

A facile method for the regioselective Friedel-Crafts acylation of indoles with acyl chlorides catalysed by zinc oxide in an ionic liquid medium has been developed. The corresponding 3-acylindoles were obtained in good to high yields under mild reaction conditions. Zinc oxide, which is easily available and requires no special handling procedures, is an efficient catalyst for acylation of indoles.