文摘
A triple cooperative catalysis-mediated multicomponent reaction between 1-formyl-N-substituted-β-carbolines, a terminal alkyne, and a secondary amine allows access to unprecedented polycyclic β-carbolines via sequential A<sup>3sup>-coupling and an intramolecular C<sub>sp<sup>2sup>sub>–C<sub>sp<sup>2sup>sub> Friedel–Crafts arylation reaction. The reaction is successful in a dry inert atmosphere only with substrates bearing a methoxy-substituted benzyl group at the indole nitrogen. Conversely, treating 3-aminoindolizino[8,7-b]indoles (obtained after A<sup>3sup>-coupling) with acid in the presence of H<sub>2sub>O in air offers a general route to natural-alkaloid-like products.