Author(s): Holden Petty
Mentor(s): Matthew Prater
Institution SUU
Indole is a biologically relevant compound used to form the amino acid tryptophan and indole alkaloids. Traditionally, indole is prepared via the Fisher indole synthesis. Indoline, the di-hydrogenated derivative of indole, is often made through a variety of methods, including transition metal catalysis, organocatalysis, and radical cyclization. We hypothesized that Ru(III) could oxidize indoline to indole, and be reduced in the process. Our earliest reactions had a lustrous metal precipitate, indicating that reduction had taken place. Indole was then isolated to confirm its production. Current work is focused on developing a catalytic cycle by using a secondary oxidant.