Hydrated ferric sulfate catalyzed synthesis of 3-[(alkyl/arylthio)(aryl)methyl]-1H-indole derivatives through one-pot reaction

A wide variety of 3-[(alkyl/arylthio)(aryl)methyl]-1H-indole derivatives (4a–z) were synthesized through a one-pot three-component reaction from indoles, aromatic aldehydes, and thiols at room temperature using hydrated ferric sulfate as a Lewis acid catalyst. The key features of the present protocol are mild and simple reaction procedure, moderate to good yields, requirement of inexpensive and reusable catalyst, no formation of dithioacetals derivatives from the corresponding aldehydes as well as bis-(indolyl) methane derivatives.