Abstract

The reaction of indoles with various aldehydes to give corresponding bis(3-indolyl)phenylmethanes in aqueous medium was catalyzed by 1-(benzenesulfonyl)-3-methyl-1H-imidazolium chlorides which were obtained by solvent-free approach. Excellent yields within short duration were achieved after optimizing the reaction conditions. The thermal properties of all 1-(benzenesulfonyl)-3-methyl-1H-imidazolium chlorides were studied using thermogravimetric analysis.

Keywords: Aldehydes, aqueous media, bis(3-indolyl)phenylmethanes, indoles, sulfonylimidazolium chlorides.