A simple one-pot synthesis of functionalised 6-(indol-3-yl)-2,2′-bipyridine derivatives via multi-component reaction under neat condition

A series of 4-aryl-6-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2,2-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile derivatives were synthesized via a one-pot multi-component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, 3-(cyanoacetyl)indole and 2-acetyl pyridine in ammonium acetate by conventional heating and microwave irradiation under solvent-free condition. Also a series of 6,6′-di(1H-indol-3-yl)-4,4′-diaryl-2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarbonitrile derivatives were synthesized using cinnamils, 3-(cyanoacetyl)indole and ammonium acetate. The methodology affords high yields of product at short reaction time.