Synthesis of 3,3′-bisindoles via demethylenation

Abstract

Herein, we report the mild and metal-free synthesis of 3,3′-bisindoles. The transformation proceeds through the removal of the Fmoc group followed by the loss of a methylene unit via C–C and C–N bond cleavage. Notably, this scaffold is suitable for further functionalization and displays interesting photophysical properties both in the solution and solid state, indicating its potential application in organic luminophores.