Three-Component Ring-Expansion Reaction of Indoles Leading to Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinolines

Herein, we have developed an atom- and step-economic three-component cascade reaction that enables a modular platform for the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinoline compounds through ring-expansion/cyclization by way of novel N1-C2 cleavage of indoles. The metal-free catalytic system exhibits a broad functional group tolerance.

Automated summary

Here, a atom- and step-economic three-component cascade reaction was developed for the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinoline compounds. The reaction involves ring-expansion/cyclization through novel N1-C2 cleavage of indoles and the metal-free catalytic system offers a wide range of functional group tolerance.