An efficient and direct preparation of functionalized delta -carbolines, vi
a a ring closure reaction between the appropriate indole amine and a masked
1,3-dicarbonyl compound is described. This method afforded new 3-substitut
ed delta -carbolines and these products were subjected to ortho-lithiation
experiments. Various 3,4-disubstituted delta -carbolines were obtained in a
cceptable yields. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.