Three-Component Tandem Reaction Involving Acid Chlorides, Terminal Alkynes, and 2-Aminoindole Hydrochlorides: Synthesis of α-Carboline Derivatives in Aqueous Conditions via Regioselective [3 + 3] Cyclocondensation

PPh3-Mediated Cascade Reaction of 2-Alkynylnitrobenzenes and Thioureas for the Construction of Imidazo[4,5-b]indole-2-thiones

A simple method for the preparation of imidazo[4,5-b]indole-2-thiones from 2-alkynylnitrobenzenes and thioureas is described. In the reaction, a Wittig-like process was triggered by PPh₃ and followed by a cyclization step. The products were afforded in yields of 70-98% under mild conditions. Additionally, the 2-alkynylnitrobenzenes were stable and could be prepared via a simple coupling step.

Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl- and Ester Group-Substituted α-Carbolines via Iron-Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization Reaction

An efficient approach to prepare trifluoromethyl-α-carbolines and ester group-substituted α-carbolines via the tandem cyclization reaction of 2-(2-aminophenyl)acetonitriles and trifluoromethyl 1,3-diones or β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters was reported. The transformation proceeded smoothly in the presence of catalytic environmental-benign iron salts, which are used to prepare the desired products in moderate to good yields.

Acyl Sonogashira Cross-Coupling: State of the Art and Application to the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds

The acyl Sonogashira reaction represents an extension of Sonogashira cross-coupling to acid chlorides which replace aryl or vinyl halides, while terminal acetylenes are used as coupling partners in both reactions. The introduction of a carbonyl functional group on the alkyne backbone determines a radical change in the reactivity of the products. Indeed, α,β-alkynyl ketones can be easily converted into different heterocyclic compounds depending on the experimental conditions employed. Due to its potential, the acyl Sonogashira reaction has been deeply studied with particular attention to the nature of the catalysts and to the structures of both coupling compounds. Considering these two aspects, in this review, a detailed analysis of the literature data regarding the acyl Sonogashira reaction and its role in the synthesis of several heterocyclic derivatives is reported.

Regioselective switching approach for the synthesis of α and δ carboline derivatives

A metal-free protocol for accessing both α and δ-carboline derivatives, starting from a common indolylchalcone oxime ester precursor is reported.

Diversity Oriented Synthesis of Indoloazepinobenzimidazole and Benzimidazotriazolobenzodiazepine from N(1)-Alkyne-1,2-diamines

A one-pot protocol for the diversity oriented synthesis of two N-polyheterocycles indoloazepinobenzimidazole and benzimidazotriazolobenzodiazepine from a common N(1)-alkyne-1,2-diamine building block is described. The approach involves sequential formation of benzimidazole through cyclocondensation and oxidation, which is followed by the formation of either an azepine ring (through alkyne activation and 6-endo-dig cyclization, 1,2-migration with ring expansion, and re-aromatization), or diazepine and triazole rings through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.

Palladium-catalysed decarboxylative nitrile insertion via C–H activation or self-coupling of indole-2-carboxylic acids: a new route to indolocarbolines and triindoles

Palladium catalysed decarboxylative nitrile insertion/dual C–H activation of indole carboxylic acids afforded indolocarbolines or triindoles in the absence of nitriles.

Efficient synthesis of α- and δ-carbolines by sequential Pd-catalyzed site-selective C–C and twofold C–N coupling reactions

Two concise and efficient approaches were developed for the synthesis of α- and δ-carboline derivatives.

Preparation of 3-aryl-2-aminoindoles, 3-allyl-3-amino-2-iminoindolines, and tetrahydro-[1,4]diazepino[2,3-b]indoles from 3-diazoindolin-2-imines

3-Aryl-2-aminoindoles, 3-allyl-3-amino-2-iminoindolines, and tetrahydro-[1,4] diazepino[2,3-b]indoles were prepared from 3-diazoindolin-2-imines.

Rapid access to α-carbolines via a one-pot tandem reaction of α,β-unsaturated ketones with 2-nitrophenylacetonitrile and the anti-proliferative activities of the products

An effective and convenient method has been developed for the preparation of 2 or 2,4-substituted α-carbolines via a one-pot tandem reaction of α,β-unsaturated ketones with 2-nitrophenylacetonitrile in the presence of zinc dust, acetic acid and triethylamine. This protocol presents a simple, rapid and pot/step economical strategy for preparing biologically interesting α-carbolines with moderate anti-tumor activities.

Diversity-oriented synthesis of ketoindoloquinoxalines and indolotriazoloquinoxalines from 1-(2-nitroaryl)-2-alkynylindoles

A one-pot protocol for the diversity-oriented synthesis of two indole-based annulated polyheterocycles, ketoindoloquinoxalines and indolotriazoloquinoxalines, has been described. The salient features of the methodology involves either a metal/O2-catalyzed aminooxygenation or a [3 + 2] cycloaddition pathway.

Synthesis of α, β and γ-carbolines via Pd-mediated Csp2-H/N–H activation

An efficient method for the synthesis of halo-carbolines has been developed via Pd-catalysed formation of C–N bonds through C_sp2-H/N–H activation of 4-methyl-N-[2-(pyridine-3-yl)phenyl] benzenesulfonamide derivatives.

A new route to α-carbolines based on 6π-electrocyclization of indole-3-alkenyl oximes

Indoles are converted into α-carbolines in four steps by acylation at C-3, Boc-protection, olefination of the resulting 3-indolyl aldehydes or ketones to give N-Boc-3-indolyl alkenyl oxime O-methyl ethers, which upon heating to 240 °C under microwave irradiation undergo loss of the Boc-group, and 6π-electrocyclization to α-carbolines, following aromatization by loss of methanol (11 examples, 30–90% yield).

Microwave-assisted three-component domino reaction: Synthesis of indolodiazepinotriazoles

A microwave-assisted three-component protocol involving N-1 alkylation of 2-alkynylindoles with epichlorohydrin, ring opening of the epoxide with sodium azide, and an intramolecular Huisgen azide-internal alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition domino sequence has been described. The efficacy of the methodology has been demonstrated by treating various 2-alkynylindoles (aromatic/aliphatic) with epichlorohydrin and sodium azide furnishing annulated tetracyclic indolodiazepinotriazoles in satisfactory yields.

Engineering of indole-based tethered biheterocyclic alkaloid meridianin into β-carboline-derived tetracyclic polyheterocycles via amino functionalization/6-endo cationic π-cyclization

A mild, efficient and versatile method has been developed for the construction of a functionalized natural product, meridianin, and its post conversion to pyrimido-β-carboline by cationic π- cyclization. The strategy involves the introduction of an amino group at the C-5 of the pyrimidine ring and utilizing the nucleophilictiy of the C-2 in the indole ring to facilitate cationic π-cyclization.