Free Radical Triggered Convenient Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methane with Potassium Peroxodisulfate as Catalyst

Abstract The free radical triggered convenient synthesis of bis(indolyl)methane using various indole and aldehyde derivatives with potassium peroxodisulfate as catalyst under the ambient conditions is developed. This protocol exhibits a wide range of sterically and electronically diverse substrate scope with good to excellent yield (up to 94 %) of the desired product without affecting the bromo, chloro, iodo, nitro, methoxy, and hydroxyl groups. The experimental observation indicates that the reaction follow a radical pathway.