Abstract A convenient synthesis for the conversion of various substituted tetrahydro-β-carbolines has been developed by iron-catalyzed decarboxylative/dehydrogenative aromatization to construct aromatic β-carbolines under air atmosphere. In the presence of a FeCl3 catalyst, this reaction exhibited a good functional group tolerance to produce corresponding β-carbolines in good yields in the absence of any additive. Additionally, the utility of the method was highlighted in the gram-scale synthesis of important natural β-carboline synthons norharmane (2a) and harmane (2b), which the latter provide practical access towards eudistomin N and nostocarboline.