Luzindole (N-0774; N-acetyl-2-benzyltryptamine), is a drug used in scientific research to study the role of melatonin in the body.

[2][3] In animal studies, it has been observed to disrupt the circadian rhythm as well as produce antidepressant effects.

[2][4] Although the "hydrogen bomb" method was reported as 54% yield by Dubococvich, Boehringer Sohn achieved 96% for this step.

This proves that the hydrogenation step proceeds favorably under milder conditions.

Acylation with acetic anhydride only gave 21% yield of Luzindole (4).