Abstract:

We present a new undergraduate teaching experiment inspired by recent scientific advances toward the sustainable synthesis of deep blue fluorescent benzofuroindoles via the catalytic aerobic oxidation [3+2] cyclization of phenol and indole. The experiment teaches basic theoretical knowledge of organic chemistry, such as Lewis acid catalysis, electrophilic substitution, conjugate addition, and practical skills, including thin layer chromatography, column chromatography purification, UV-Vis absorption/fluorescence spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It integrates the ideological elements of green chemistry, environmental protection, safety, and sustainable chemistry, among others, and provides comprehensive training in scientific thinking, scientific inquiry, and complex problem solving in synthetic chemistry.

Key words: Benzofuroindole, Aerobic oxidation, [3+2] cyclization, Fluorescence material