Simplified Synthesis of 3-(1-Arylsulfonylalkyl) Indoles and Their Reaction with Reformatsky Reagents

A simple procedure for the preparation of 3-(1-arylsulfonyl-alkyl) indoles by three-component condensation of indoles, carbonyls, and arenesulfinic acids is presented. The obtained products undergo a Reformatsky reaction leading to alkyl 3-(3-indolyl) alkanoates and (3-indolyl) ketones.