Three-component reactions of 3-arylidene-3h-indolium salts, isocyanides and amines

A multicomponent reaction of isocyanides with aryl(indol-3-yl)methylium salts and amines has been found. A series of aryl(indol-3-yl)acetimidamides was obtained in up to 96% yields. In the case of ethyl isocyanoacetate, the reaction is followed by cyclization to form 3,5-dihydro-4H-imidazol-4-one derivatives. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.