Reaction type Ring forming reaction | ||
Named after Adolf von Baeyer
Adolph Emmerling | ||
The Baeyer–Emmerling indole synthesis is a method for synthesizing indole from a (substituted) ortho-nitrocinnamic acid and iron powder in strongly basic solution. This reaction was discovered by Adolf von Baeyer and Adolph Emmerling in 1869.
Reaction mechanism
The reaction of iron powder with o-nitrocinnamic acid reduces the nitro group to a nitroso. The nitrogen then condenses with a carbon on the alkene chain with loss of a molecule of water to form a ring. Decarboxylation gives indole.
References
Baeyer–Emmerling indole synthesis Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA