A novel radical cyclization of 2-bromoindoles. Synthesis of hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indoles

Hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indoles 6, 10, and 13 are obtained from 2-bromo-3-carboxamides 5, 9, and 12, respectively, by a 1,5-radical translocation process followed by 5-endo-trig cyclization to the indole C-2 position.