A three-component, intramolecular Ugi reaction toward unique indoloketopiperazines

2-(3-Chloro-2-formyl-1H-indol-1-yl) acetic acid, as a bifunctional formyl-acid, is prepared in three steps. This compound undergoes a one-pot, four-center, three-component Ugi reaction with primary amines and alkyl isocyanides. A series of novel substituted indoloketopiperazine derivatives are obtained in moderate to high yields. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.