Catalyst-free synthesis of N-β-hydroxyethyl pyrroles and indoles via a domino [3+2] cycloaddition and ring-opening aromatization process

N-beta-Hydroxyethyl pyrroles and indoles were constructed from the reaction of trans-4-hydoxyproline or indoline-2-carboxylic acid with electron deficient aldehydes via a domino [3+2] cycloaddition and ring-opening aromatization process under catalyst-free conditions. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.