In situ generation of Iron( iii ) dodecyl sulfate as Lewis acid-surfactant catalyst for synthesis of bis-indolyl, tris-indolyl, Di(bis-indolyl), Tri(bis-indolyl), tetra(bis-indolyl)methanes and 3-alkylated indole compounds in water

Iron(III) dodecyl sulfate as Lewis acid-surfactant catalyst was prepared in situ and effectively used in the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes and Michael reactions of indoles with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in water. Also, this method was used for the synthesis of 1,1,3-tri-indolyl compounds, producing good to excellent yield at room temperature.