Efficient CeO2 nanoparticles catalysed for Synthesis of heterocyclic Bis(Indolyl) methanes under mild conditions

Abstract

There is need to develop simple, efficient & economically viable chemical pathways to synthesise biologically active & commercially important heterocyclic Bis(indolyl) methanes¹.The indole ring is an important constituent of many natural products, pharmaceuticals & other compounds of commercial importantance². The literature survey shows that Bis(indolyl) methanes are known to increase estrogen metabolism in human beings and hence can be used for the treatment of breast cancer, also it exhibits antibacterial activities^3,4,5. This wide range of applications has leaded the chemists to develop new methods to synthesise Bis (Indolyl) methanes. Various methods have been developed for their synthesis using Lewis acid catalysts^6-12, ionicliquids¹³, trichloro-1,3,5-triazine¹⁴, and potassium hydrogen sulphate¹⁵.However, many of these reported methods suffer from one or other disadvantages such as harsh reaction conditions and reagents that are expensive, moisture sensitive. A mild and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of bis(indolyl) methanes is highly desirable.