The reaction of N-Acylpyridinium salts with indole

Depending on the solvent used and the ratio of the reactants, N-acylpyridinium salts condense with indole to give 3-(N-acyl-1,4-dihydro-4-pyridyl)indole ( 1 ) or 4-(N-acyl-3-indolyl)pyridinium chloride ( 3 ). Compound 1 is an intermediate in the formation of compound 3 . The reaction mechanism has been studied, and a hydrogen transfer reaction is suggested as a key step. Alkaline hydrolysis, e.g., of 4-(N-acetyl-3-indolyl)pyridinium chloride ( 3a ), gave 3-(4-pyridyl)indole ( 2a ). The reaction of α-chlorosubstituted acyl halides with indole, in the presence of pyridine constitutes a convenient synthesis of 3-chloroacylindoles.