For N methylation of tryptamines see the last step in Post 405291 (https://www.thevespiary.org/talk/index.php?topic=13137.msg40529100#msg40529100)
(pHarmacist: "Synth. of 5-halo-tryptamine derivatives", Tryptamine Chemistry)
> the only thing is, how to get indole acetaldehyde.
hm, like this:
https://www.thevespiary.org/rhodium/Rhodium/chemistry/indoleacetaldehyde.html (https://www.thevespiary.org/rhodium/Rhodium/chemistry/indoleacetaldehyde.html)
?
otoh this synthesis needs painfully lots of solvent.
> turn the carboxylic acid into the ketone
aldehyde. carboxylic acids give aldehydes.
> that double bonded oxygen will usually go in any reaction before the hydroxyl.
nah. but the aldehyde is usually further reduced to the alcohol.