A new, straightforward synthesis of highly functional β-carboline
building blocks is presented that makes use of allylic amidation
methodology. The products obtained carry a terminal double bond
as well as an easy-to-deprotect amide, which make them perfectly
suitable for further functionalization. The use of the trifluoroacetamide
group is exploited in a dual fashion; it acts as a protecting group
and functions as the nucleophile for the allylic amidation reaction.
indoles - β-carbolines - allylic amidation - heterocycles - Stille reaction