An efficient synthetic approach to optically active β-carboline derivatives via Pictet-Spengler reaction promoted by trimethylchlorosilane

A highly diastereoselective Pictet-Spengler reaction using chiral tryptamine carbamates has been developed. The reaction proceeds using aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes in the presence of trimethylchlorosilane. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.