Benzannulation reactions of Fischer carbene complexes for the synthesis of indolocarbazoles

The synthesis of indolocarbazoles was achieved via photochemical and thermal annulation reactions of chromium Fischer carbene complexes. This methodology allows for facile incorporation of hydrogen bonding functionality which complements the pharmacophore contained within bioactive indolocarbazole natural products. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.