One-pot multicomponent synthesis of thieno[2,3-b]indoles catalyzed by a magnetic nanoparticle-supported [Urea]4[ZnCl2] deep eutectic solvent

Abstract

In this study, we have developed the synthesis of thieno[2,3-b]indole dyes via a multicomponent reaction of cheap and available reagents such as sulfur, acetophenones, and indoles using a magnetic nanoparticle-supported [Urea]₄[ZnCl₂] deep eutectic solvent as a green catalyst. The synthesis of a series of diversely functionalized thieno[2,3-b]indole has been successfully performed in a one-pot reaction. Among a total of 25 compounds synthesized, there are 21 new compounds with full characterization such as FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, HRMS (ESI). Due to the deep eutectic solvent coated surface of the magnetic nanoparticles, the catalyst could be recovered by an external magnet and reused in five consecutive runs without a considerable decrease in catalytic activity.