Regioselective Diels-Alder reactions of 3-indolylquinones

6-(3-Indolyl)quinolinequinone derivatives gave regioselective Diels-Alder reactions with a variety of dienophiles, yielding polycyclic carbazole derivatives. One-pot reactions, proceeding through a cascade of reactions including regioselective Michael and Diels-Alder steps, gave heptacyclic derivatives starting from indoles and 2,5,8(1H)-quinolinetriones. Double Diels-Alder reactions of 6-(3-indolyl)quinolinequinones and dihalobenzoquinones gave eleven-cycle products in one step. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.