1-R-4, 6-Dinitroindoles 4–6 (R= H, Me, Ts) could be obtained from 2-picrylethanol 1 (readily available from TNT) via selective reduction of ortho-nitro group by N2H4/FeCl3 and subsequent treatment with TsCl, to yield a key intermediate 3. This intermediate was converted to the above mentioned indoles.
