Synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-1,3(2H,6H)-diones via addition/cyclization reactions between 3-chloro-4-indolylmaleimides and alkynes

Abstract

3-Chloro-4-indolylmaleimides and two different alkynes are used as the starting materials in a novel and highly effective Pd-catalyzed addition/C–H activation/cyclization sequence for the synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4- c]carbazole-1,3(2 H,6 H)-diones. The desired products are obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Such compounds show a wide range of biological activities.