New efficient method for the preparation of 2-aryl-4,6-dinitroindoles: Reductive cyclization of E-1-(2-azido-4,6-dinitrophenyl)-2-arylethenes

A new efficient method for the preparation of 2-aryl-4,6-dinitroindoles based on reductive cyclization of E-2-azido-4,6-dinitrostilbenes under the action of FeCl3 center dot 6H(2)O - NaI system - in the CH3CN media at room temperature has been developed.