Microwave assisted Leimgruber–Batcho reaction for the preparation of indoles, azaindoles and pyrroylquinolines

The development of enhanced conditions for Lewis acid catalysed Leimgruber-Batcho indole synthesis using microwave acceleration is described. This approach has permitted the preparation of a variety of heteroaromatic enamine intermediates in good yield and high purities. Subsequent catalytic hydrogenation reactions, under various conditions including the use of a solid-phase encapsulated catalyst, furnish the corresponding indole derivatives in good yields.