PCl5 as a mild and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes and di-bis(indolyl)methanes

Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) can efficiently catalyze the condensation of indoles with aldehydes as well as ketones at room temperature to afford bis(indolyl)methanes and di-bis(indolyl)methanes in high yields and short reaction times. KEY WORDS: PCl5, bis(Indolyl)methane, di-bis(Indolyl)methane, Indole, Aldehyde, Ketone Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2008, 22(3), 453-458.