Metal free one pot synthesis of β-carbolines via a domino Pictet-Spengler reaction and aromatization

Abstract A convenient and efficient metal free, atom economical flexible synthesis of β-carbolines involving a domino Pictet-Spengler reaction and aromatization in oxygen atmosphere in N -methyl-2-pyrollidone (NMP) is described. Variety of aryl, heteroaryl and aliphatic aldehydes were found to be good substrates for this methodology. Several β-carbolines ( 6a-6t ) and β-carboline methyl esters ( 7a-7e ) were synthesized using this methodology.The same reaction carried out in argon atmosphere in the presence of catalytic amount of acid in NMP furnished, tetrahydro-β-carbolines ( 4a-4g ).