3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-isopropylindole (CAS number 93957-49-4) is a derivative of indole, a heterobicyclic compound, with a 4-fluorophenyl (3-position) and an isopropyl substituent (1-position). 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-isopropylindole is the nucleus of Fluvastatin, a drug used to treat hypercholesterolemia for preventing cardiovascular diseases. A series of 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-isopropylindole derivatives are synthesized, presenting a significant decrease of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels. The syntheses involve a Vilsmeier-Haack reaction for introducing an aldehyde to the 2-position and then a Claisen-Schmidt condensation for the modification of the aldehyde.
3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-isopropylindole also shows non-linear optical properties. The electron-withdrawing substituent of indole increases the hyperpolarizability coefficient, thus resulting a better non-linear optical response.