A convenient synthesis of benzo[g]pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinoline-6,11-diones

The synthesis of a new class of angular tetracyclic quinones is described. Our strategy involves Diels-Alder reaction of pyrroloquinolinequinone 9, generated in situ from pyrroloquinoline 8, and dienes. The required pyrroloquinoline 8 was prepared in four steps from cornmercially available compounds. All compounds were tested for trypanocidal activity in vitro against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes.