Synthesis and reactions of 4,6‐dimethoxyindole, an unusual indole system

Abstract
A synthesis of 4,6‐dimethoxyindole is described. Formylation or oxalylation reactions gave substitution at position 7 rather than the usual 3‐substitution characteristic of other indoles. A synthesis of N,N‐dimethyl‐4,6‐dimethoxytryptamine is presented along with NMR data for 3 and 7‐substituted compounds in this series.