Gandham Satyalakshmi

Organic Reactions in Water: A Distinct Novel Approach for an Efficient Synthesis of α-Amino Phosphonates Starting Directly from Nitro Compounds†

A distinct approach for high-yielding synthesis of alpha-amino phosphonates has been discovered through three-component reaction of nitro compounds, aldehydes, or ketones and dialkyl or trialkyl phosphites using indium in dilute aqueous HCl at room temperature. This one-pot conversion consists of the following steps: (i) reduction of nitro compounds to amines, (ii) formation of imines from amines and carbonyl compounds, and (iii) hydrophosphonylation of imines.

A distinct novel approach for the synthesis of 3-indolyl-methanamines starting from indoles, aldehydes and nitrobenzenes in water

3-Indolyl-methanamines have efficiently been synthesized by the treatment of indoles with aldehydes and nitrobenzenes using indium in aqueous HCl at room temperature. The products are formed in excellent yields (91–98%) within a short period of time (30–45 min). Bisindolyl methanes have not been obtained under the present reaction conditions.