2,4-Dimethyl-6 H-pyrido[3,2-b]carbazole, an isomer of the antitumor alkaloid ellipticine via the Combes-Beyer reaction.

: The synthesis of 2,4-dimethyl-6 H-pyrido[3,2-b]carbazole (2a) and of its 9-methoxy (2b) and 9-hydroxy (2c) derivatives via the Combes-Beyer reaction is described. Pyridocarbazole 2a has been obtained by two different routes. In the course of the synthesis of 2b either a partial or a total demethoxylation has been observed depending on the route employed.