5-(Indol-2-yl)-pyran-2-one undergoes cycloaddition to electron-poor and ele
ctron-rich dienophiles. Lanthanide shift reagents have been shown to be eff
icient catalysts for the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reactions. The
bicycloadducts were formed with complete stereoselectivity. Aminolysis of
bicycloadducts with primary amines is described. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science
Ltd. All rights reserved.