Fischer indole synthesis in low melting mixtures.

Functionalized indoles are synthezised under mild conditions in a tartaric acid-dimethylurea melt. The melt serves as the solvent and as the catalyst. Under these reaction conditions, sensitive functional groups such as N-Boc, N-Cbz, or azides are stable, and indolenines are obtained regioselectively in excellent yields. The practical use of the method is demonstrated in the synthesis of the hormone melatonin.