Abstract

A new, convenient and high yield route to luzindole, the most commonly used melatonin receptor antagonist, is described. The new method involves the Sonogashira coupling reaction between 2-iodoaniline and 3-phenyl-1-propyne followed by cyclisation of the adduct formed, C-3 indole nitroolefination with 1-(dimethylamino)-2-nitroethylene/TFA, reduction to the respective tryptamine and finally acetylation.

Keywords: Luzindole, melatonin receptor antagonist, ortho-alkynylanilines, nitroolefination, 2-benzyltryptamides