One-Pot Sequential Synthesis of 3,3'- or 2,3'-Bis(indolyl)methanes by Using 1,3-Dithiane as the Methylene Source.

A simple and efficient method for structurally diverse symmetrical and unsymmetrical 3,3'- and 2,3'-bisindolylmethanes has been developed through a one-pot sequential reaction using 1,3-dithiane as the methylene source. The important AhR agonists ICZ and malassezin were synthesized with excellent efficiency by this straightforward approach.