Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Antimicrobial Resistance Research with Innovative Approaches and Synthetic Compounds
Published on: September 27, 2024
Indole ring expansion into quinolines with TMSCCl3/TMSCBr3
Zhixin Wang1, Hanxiao Xu1, Xuanzhen Han1
1Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China. jinz@nju.edu.cn.
Reactivity adaptation speciation explains how reactants form dynamic units for diverse chemical reactions. This study reveals C2-C3 insertion ring expansion of indole into quinoline and nucleophilic substitutions.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Chemical Reactivity Theory
Background:
- Understanding chemical reactivity is crucial for designing synthetic pathways.
- Adaptation speciation offers a novel framework for analyzing reactant behavior in complex reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore reactivity adaptation speciation using indole as a model system.
- To investigate novel C2-C3 insertion ring expansion and nucleophilic substitution reactions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized indole with TMSCCl3 and TMSCBr3 reagents.
- Analyzed reaction products to elucidate reaction mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated C2-C3 insertion ring expansion of indole to quinoline.
- Observed N1-H-TMS nucleophilic substitution and N1-H-CCl3 nucleophilic substitution pathways.
- Characterized the formation of indole-TMSCCl3/TMSCBr3 adducts.
Conclusions:
- Reactivity adaptation speciation provides a useful model for understanding complex organic reactions.
- The study expands the known reactivity of indoles, offering new synthetic possibilities.
Related Concept Videos
ortho–para-Directing Activators: –CH3, –OH, –⁠NH2, –OCH3
[3,3] Sigmatropic Rearrangement of Allyl Vinyl Ethers: Claisen Rearrangement
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Fluorination and Iodination of Benzene
Cyclohexenones via Michael Addition and Aldol Condensation: The Robinson Annulation
Diels–Alder Reaction Forming Bridged Bicyclic Products: Stereochemistry
Cycloaddition Reactions: Overview

