文摘
A practical and efficient synthesis of 3-substituted hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole is described. The addition/cyclization of 3-substituted indoles with α,β-dehydroamino esters in the presence of a Lewis acid provides hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole adducts in good yields and stereoselectivities. This approach has been applied to the concise synthesis of esermethole employing an appropriately substituted indole and an N-acyl dehydroamino ester.