Combinatorial synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline and pyrrolo[3,2-a]acridine derivatives via a three-component reaction under catalyst-free conditions.

A combinatorial synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline and pyrrolo[3,2-a]acridine derivatives is described as a three-component reaction of aromatic aldehyde, 1H-indol-5-amine, and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds under catalyst-free conditions. The 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds include 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, cyclopentane-1,3-dione, and 2H-indene-1,3-dione. It is interesting that the designed reactions gave aromatized or unaromatized products, which depend on the reaction temperature and reactants of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.