The synthesis of a new, conformationally restrained analog of tryptoph
an, ,4-tetrahydro-2-amino-2-carboxy-cyclopent[b]indole (5) is describe
d. The key step involves the BF3. Et2O catalyzed intramolecular cycliz
ation of alpha-diazoketone 2b into the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-cyclopent[b]
indol-2-one (3).