Synthesis of 4- and 6-substituted nitroindoles

Enolizable ketones react with m-nitroaniline in the presence of strong base such as t-BuOK to give 4- and 6-substituted nitroindoles. The reaction proceeds via oxidative nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen in m-nitroaniline with enolate anions in positions ortho to the amino group giving anionic σ^H adducts that are additionally stabilized by intramolecular interaction between the amino and the carbonyl group. Spontaneous oxidation of the σ^H adducts followed by the Bayer type condensation of the produced ortho-aminonitrobenzyl ketones gives 4- and 6-substituted nitroindoles. The scope of this reaction and its basic mechanistic features are discussed.