Tricyclic Imidazolidin-4-ones by Witkop Oxidation of Tetrahydro-β-carbolines

1-Substituted and 1,1-disubstituted tetrahydro-beta-carbolines undergo sodium periodate oxidative ring expansion in the presence of formaldehyde and other aldehydes to form 5,6-dihydro-7H-1,4-methanobenzo[e][1,4]diazonine-2,7(3H)-diones in 30-81% yield. In most cases, the reaction to form this new 6/8/5-tricyclic ring system proceeds with high diastereoselectivity. These benzannulated medium-ring keto imidazolidin-4-ones expand the menu of tetrahydro-beta-carboline oxidation products.