Synthesis of chlorinated 2-(aminomethyl)- and 2-(alkoxymethyl)pyrroles

The synthesis of chlorinated 2-(hydroxymethyl)-, 2-(alkoxymethyl)- and 2-(aminomethyl)pyrroles via aromatization of 2-aryl-3,3-dichloro-5-(bromomethyl)pyrrolines and via reduction of 2-formyl- and 2-cyanopyrroles is described. The former methodology also provided new 2-[(alkyl- or phenylamino)methyl]pyrroles and a 2-(phosphonomethyl)pyrrole. Halogenated and methylene-spaced functionalized pyrroles are of particular interest for their pronounced physiological activities.