reaction to NileRed video - skatole via Fischer indole synthesis

link to NileRed video -    • Making skatole - The essence of poop   This video is a reaction to NileRed's video on the synthesis of skatole from phenylhydrazine and propionaldehyde through the Fischer indole synthesis. The reaction involves mixing phenylhydrazine and propionaldehyde to form a hydrazone. The hydrazone was heated in ethanol under reflux with para-toluenesulfonic acid (pTSA) to drive the indole forming reaction. The Cope rearrangement, Fischer indole synthesis, and background of Emil Fischer are discussed in the commentary.