Efficient one-pot synthesis of anti-HIV and anti-tumour β-carbolines

Thermal electrocyclisation of the azahexatriene system has been used as a key step for the synthesis of anti-HIV and anti-tumour compounds, harman, derivatives of harman and 1-aryl-beta-carbolines. A one-pot reaction sequence was used to furnish these compounds in good yield. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.