4-Benzamido-1-[2-(3-indolyl)ethyl] pyridinium bromide (3.0 g) was dissolved
in 91% ethanol (300 ml) containing triethylamine (0.08 g) and freshly
prepared W7 Raney nickel catalyst (ca 3 g) was added. The mixture was
hydrogenated in an autoclave at 400 psi hydrogen pressure and 50°C for 4
hours. After filtering off the catalyst the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo and
the residue was shaken with a mixture of chloroform and 2N sodium
hydroxide solution. The resulting insoluble material was filtered off and dried
to give 1.61 g of product, MP 203°C to 206°C. Recrystallization from ethanol
gave the title compound as colorless needles (1.34 g), MP 208°C to 210°C.
