Process for the preparation of indole or a methyl-substituted indole, possibly mixed with the hydrogenated derivative.

摘要

Indole, and/or methyl-substituted indoles are described as prepared from the corresponding 2-(cyanomethyl)cyclohexanone starting material through a catalytic reaction in the presence of hydrogen, using a dehydrogenation-catalyst, containing a metal, or metal compound, of Group VIII or Group Ib of the Periodic Table. The reaction is carried out at an elevated temperature at high conversion to yield the corresponding indole and (in some cases) tetra- or hexahydroindoles.