Abstract This article proposed a safe, simple and rapid organic chemistry experiment, Friedel-Crafts 3-acylation of indole, to carry out green organic chemistry experiment teaching for undergraduates. This synthesis employing chromatographic-grade Al2O3 as an environment-friendly, inexpensive, reusable and effective catalyst to replace the traditional AlCl3, was carried out under solvent-free condition in a commercial microwave oven rather than using conventional heating in a hazardous solvent. The product could be easily isolated from Al2O3 and purified by recrystallization in ethanol. This experiment could allow students to experience the green organic synthesis and also help them to reinforce their knowledge of electrophilic substitution and heterocycle chemistry.
