Acid-induced dimerization of 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)maleimides. Formation of cyclopentindole derivatives

Acid-induced dimerizations of 3-substituted maleimides have been investigated, leading to e.g. the cyclopentindole 9 and the deeply coloured spiro compounds 24 and 25 in good yields. 3-(1H-Indol-3-yl)maleimide 6b readily gave the cycloaddition products 13-15 on treatment with appropriate dienophiles. In addition, several related 3,3-di-(1H-indol-3-yl)succinimides have been prepared and studied.