Method of producing 5,6-dihydroxyindole derivatives from dopa.

摘要

A method for producing and isolating a 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) derivative such as, in particular, 5,6-diacetoxyindole (DAI) in one reaction vessel, using dopa as a starting material, comprises mixing a first solution comprising dopa, water and a solubilizing agent selected from acids having a pka /= 10, with a second solution comprising oxidant, buffer and water, to form a combined solution which is oxygen free and has a pH of from 6 to 9; stirring the combined solution under an inert atmosphere to form DHI; adding the derivatizing agent and a second base; and cooling to precipitate the DHI derivative.