Nenitzescu indole synthesis

The Nenitzescu indole synthesis is a chemical reaction that forms 5-hydroxyindole derivatives from benzoquinone and β-aminocrotonic esters.

This reaction was named for its discoverer, Costin Nenițescu, who first reported it in 1929. It can be performed with a number of different combinations of R-groups, which include methyl, methoxy, ethyl, propyl, and H substituents. There is also a solid-state variation in which the reaction takes place on a highly cross-linked polymer scaffold. The synthesis is particularly interesting because indoles are the foundation for a number of biochemically important molecules, including neurotransmitters and a new class of antitumor compounds.