Photooxidation of 3-Methylindoles

Abstract

Ultraviolet photolysis of 3-methylindole gives 2-formamidoacetophenone (2?-acetylformanilide) and 3-methylindole-2-carbaldehyde whereas photolysis of 2-ethyl-3-methylindole gives 2-acetyl-3-methylindole and 2-propionamidoacetophenone (2?-acetylpropionanilide). The yields of these products and the rate of photolysis of 3-methylindole are dependent on the solvent. Possible mechanisms for the photolysis of 3- methylindole are discussed.