Process for the preparation of 5,6-diacetoxyindole

摘要

An indole of the formula wherein R5 and R6 are acetoxy or hydrogen, at least one of R5 and R6 being acetoxy, is prepared, in good yield, in a one pot synthesis, without extraction, recrystallization or isolation of intermediate reaction product; A compound of the formula wherein R1 and R2 are benzyloxy or hydrogen, provided that at least one of R1 and R2 is benzyloxy, is subjected to reductive cyclization followed by acetylation of the resultant reaction product.