Mild and efficient Winterfeldt oxidation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-γ-carbolines for the synthesis of dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]-quinolones and pyrrolo[3,2-b]quinolones.

The Winterfeldt oxidation (NaOH, DMF, air, rt) of substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-γ-carbolines has been developed, which provides a convenient and efficient method for the synthesis of the corresponding dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]quinolones in moderate to excellent yields (38-94%). The generality and substrate scope of this reaction are explored and a possible mechanism is proposed. The results imply that electron-withdrawing groups on N2 of tetrahydro-γ-carbolines and N5-H are necessary. The synthesis of 5 or 7-substituted pyrrolo[3,2-b]quinolones in near quantitative yields was also achieved through deprotection and aromatization of N1-Boc-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]quinolones.