Synthesis of 2,5-Bis{(diethyl-3'-indolyl)methyl}furan and its N,N'-Dimetallated Complexes (Lithium, Sodium and Potassium): X-ray Crystal Structures of 2,5-Bis{(diethyl-3'-indolyl)methyl}furan and the Polymeric Tetrahydrofuran Adduct of the Dilithiated Complex

The synthesis of 2,5-bis{(diethyl-3′-indolyl)methyl}furan by the acid catalysed condensation of 2,5-bis(diethylhydroxymethyl)furan with indole is presented. Dilithium, disodium and dipotassium derivatives are prepared by the reaction of the bis(indole) with n-BuLi, NaH and K, respectively, in the presence of various Lewis bases. The X-ray structures of 2,5-bis{(diethyl- 3′-indolyl)methyl}furan and the dilithiated derivative (as a polymeric tetrahydrofuran adduct) are reported. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.