Two efficient methods for the synthesis of novel indole-based chalcone derivatives

Abstract

Two powerful methods for the synthesis of indole-based chalcone derivatives, namely (E)-1-(2-chloro-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-3-aryl(hetaryl)prop-2-en-1-ones (3a–l), are described, involving the ultrasound-assisted or solvent-free Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction of 3-acetyl-2-chloro-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)indole (1) and various aromatic aldehydes (2a–l). The ultrasound-assisted Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction was carried out using 1,4-dioxane as solvent and KOH as base at room temperature to give the corresponding products (3a–l) in yields ranging from 75 to 88 %. Alternatively, the Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction could also be conducted under solvent-free conditions to obtain the products (3a–l) in comparable yields. The two procedures offer easy access to indole-based chalcone derivatives in short reaction times and good yields under mild conditions. Particularly, the advantageous aspect of the solvent-free method could avoid the use of environmentally hazardous and toxic solvents, and also reduced costs. The structures of all the newly synthesized indole-based chalcones 3a–l were confirmed by spectral data and elemental analyses.