One-Pot Synthesis of 3-[(N-Alkylanilino)(aryl)methyl]indoles via a Transition Metal Assisted Three-Component Condensation at Room Temperature

A simple and highly efficient protocol for the one-pot synthesis of a series of 3-[(N-alkylanilino)(aryl)methyl]indoles has been developed based on low-cost and environmentally benign zirconium oxychloride octahydrate and copper chloride dihydrate catalysts via three-component condensation between indoles, aromatic aldehydes, and N-alkylanilines at room temperature under neat condition. Mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, high atom-economy, good yields in relatively shorter reaction times, use of low-cost and eco-friendly catalysts are some of the salient features of this protocol.