A new easy way of preparing (S)-3-substituted 2,3,6,7,12,12a-hexahydropyraz
ino[ 1',2':1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indole-1,4-diones, an important intermediate co
mpound, is described using microwave irradiation supported on silica gel. T
he reaction is generalised and good to excellent yields of enantiomerically
pure products are obtained. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese
rved.