A practical regioselective synthesis of alkylthio- or arylthioindoles without the use of smelly compounds such as thiols

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2013;61(3):292-303. doi: 10.1248/cpb.c12-00882. Epub 2012 Dec 6.

Abstract

A convenient method for the synthesis of 3-methylthioindoles has been established which does not use smelly compounds such as thiol derivatives. The method, which introduces an alkyl- or arylthio-group into the C(3)-position of the indole skeleton, was extended to the direct introduction of a methylthio or bromo group at the C(2)-position using 3-methylthioindoles. No dimerization occurred, and the reaction mechanism was confirmed. The products have the partial structure of potent anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (anti-MRSA) bromomethylthioindoles (MC 5-8) isolated from marine algae. Furthermore, this reaction could be applied to the synthesis of 3,3-diindolyl thioether which is a core structure of Echinosulfone A.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Dimerization
  • Indoles / chemistry*
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Indoles
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • indole