Process for the preparation of indoles

摘要

A process for the preparation of indole and derivatives thereof wherein an aniline is reacted with a 1,2-glycol in the vapor phase, the liquid phase or a mixed vapor-liquid phase. A sulfide or selenide or cadmium and/or zinc are used as the catalyst for this reaction. The present invention makes it possible to prepare indole and derivatives thereof in a single step by using inexpensive compounds as the starting materials.