Synthesis of dipyrrolo[2,3-a:1?,2?,3?-fg]acridin-12(1H)-ones

Abstract

Acylation reactions of 4,6-dimethoxyindoles with glyoxyloyl chlorides were achieved by the use of graphite powder in 1,2-dichloroethane at reflux. The products were monoketones as a result of decarbonylation, rather than the expected 1,2-diketones. Treatment of these monoketones with base led to their cyclisation and elimination of methanol to afford the novel dipyrrolo[2.3-a:1',2',3'-fg]acridin-12(1H)-ones. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.