Magnetically recyclable CuFe2O4 catalyst for efficient synthesis of bis (indolyl)methanes using indoles and alcohols under mild condition

Bis(3-indolyl)methanes (BIM) are highly valuable and appear in the core structure of many natural products and pharmacologically active compounds (anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, antimetastatic, antimicrobial, etc.). Herein, we have disclosed an air stable and highly efficient CuFe2O4 heterogeneous catalyst for alkylation of indoles with alcohols to give bis(3-indolyl)methanes in very good yields. The CuFe2O4 catalyst has been found to be magnetically recycled at least five times without losing significant catalytic activity.

Automated summary

CuFe2O4 heterogeneous catalyst is disclosed to be air stable and highly efficient for alkylation of indoles with alcohols, resulting in very good yields of bis(3-indolyl)methanes. The catalyst can be magnetically recycled at least five times without significant loss of catalytic activity.