In view of preparing soluble polyindole, indole was N-alkylated using bromoheptane and polymerized to poly(N-heptyl indole) which is soluble in common organic solvents. This process is being reported for the first time. Poly(N-heptyl indole) was characterized by spectral, thermal methods and it shows photoluminescence in liquid state. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.