Bismuth Nitrate Promoted Fischer Indole Synthesis: A Simple and Convenient Approach for the Synthesis of Alkyl Indoles

A novel one-pot fisher indole synthesis approach has been developed by using bismuth nitrate as a catalyst. Yields around 90-95% were obtained after reaction in methanol at reflux temperature in 20-40 min. Apart from the mild reaction conditions of the process and its excellent results, the simplicity of product isolation and the possibility to recycle the bismuth nitrate offers a significant advantage.