The synthesis of 4-, 5-, 6- and 7-nitroindole-2-methanols and the corresponding 2-aldehydes is described. The nitroindole-2-methanols were prepared by the reduction of ethyl 4-, 5-, 6- and 7-nitroindole-2-carboxylates with sodium borohydride in methanol/tetrahydrofuran. 4-, 5-, 6- and 7-Nitroindole-2-aldehydes were prepared from the nitroindole-2-methanols using PCC (pyridinium chlorochromate) and with chromium trioxide–pyridine prepared in situ.
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