1-R-4,6-Dinitroindoles 4-6 (R=H, Me, Ts) could be obtained from 2-picryleth
anol 1 (readily available from TNT) via selective reduction of or ortho-nit
ro group by N2H4/FeCl3 and subsequent treatment with TsCl, to yield a key i
ntermediate 3. This intermediate was converted to the above mentioned indol
es.