One-Step DMT Synthesis

Cyclisation reaction involving nitro- and nitroso- groups with tervalent phosphorus compounds.

Reaction with 2-(2-nitrophenyl)-4-dimethylamine butene:

(2-NO2)C6H4-C(CH2CH2N(CH3)2)=CH2 DMT 58 %

Reaction with 2-Nitrostyrene:

(NO2)C6H4-CH=CH2 Indole

A good starting compound for 2-(2-nitrophenyl)-4-dimethylamine butene would be 2-nitrocinnamic aldehyde.

[1] [reducing agents] Quart. Rev. , Vol 16, pg 208 (1962)
[2] [reduction of -NO and -NO2] Quart. Rev. , Vol 22, pg 222 (1968)
[3] [Deoxygenation reactions : Cyclisation] Chem. Soc. Rev. , Vol 3, pg 87 (1974)