A three-component domino reaction of 2-tetralone, hydroxylamine and acetylene: a one-pot, highly regioselective synthesis of 4,5-dihydrobenz[e]indoles

2-Tetralone, hydroxylamine and acetylene react in the system MOH/DMSO to give 4,5-dihydrobenz[e]indole and its N-vinyl derivatives in up to 41% and 75% (in the case of excess acetylene) yields, respectively. The amount of the alternative regioisomer, N-vinyl-4,9-dihydrobenz[f]indole, does not exceed 2% (GLC-MS), while the corresponding regioisomer of 4,5-dihydrobenz[e]indole is not detectable. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.