Synthetic Approaches to Highly Functional β-Carboline Building Blocks via Allylic Amidation

indoles - β-carbolines - allylic amidation - heterocycles - Stille reaction

<P>β-Carboline- or tryptoline-derived alkaloids [¹-³] are a large class of compounds that show a wide variety of biological and therapeutic activities (Figure  [¹] ). [4-6] The two antihypertensives, reserpine and ajmalicine, are typical examples of this family of molecules.^7-9 Many synthetic strategies have been developed to arrive at substituted indoles and tryptamines, [¹0-¹²] with Pictet-Spengler and Mannich type condensation reactions being among the most prominent. [¹³-¹5] However, these methods are limited by the fact that indoles carrying electron-donating groups are required and there are restrictions to the groups that can be introduced via the aldehyde/imine coupling partner.</P>

Figure 1 Examples of β-carboline-derived compounds

<P>We have recently disclosed the first asymmetric intramolecular allylic amidation to give tetrahydroisoquinolines, [¹6] based on an iridium-catalyzed allylic substitution reaction [¹7-²²] with phosphoramidite ligands. [²³] In this protocol, the dual function of the trifluoroacetamide group is crucial, as it serves both as a protecting group and as the actual nucleophile in the key ring-closing transformation. We were interested in expanding this methodology to the synthesis of the important class of β-carbolines. This reaction should be independent of the electronic demands of the indole moiety and, at the same time, deliver a terminal double bond, which is ideal for further functionalization such as ring annulation (Scheme  [¹] ). Together with the amide functionality, which should easily lead to the unprotected amines, our synthetic approach was expected to provide highly functional building blocks for the synthesis of complex molecules featuring the β-carboline structural unit.</P>

Scheme 1 Synthetic approach

<P>Here, we present a new route to β-carbolines that exploits the different aspects of reactivity of the trifluoroacetamide group. It was used as a protecting group during a palladium-catalyzed Stille coupling and was also shown to act as a nucleophile in the allylic substitution reaction.</P><P>Our synthetic approach started from commercially available tryptamines 1 (Scheme  [²] ). After benzyl protection of the indole nitrogen and trifluoroacetylation of the primary amine, the protected tryptamines 3 were obtained in very good yields. Furthermore, trifluoroacetamide 4, without a substituent at the indole nitrogen, was also synthesized.</P>

Scheme 2 Synthesis of trifluoroacetamide-protected indoles

<P>We then investigated the possible iodination of 3 and 4 at the 2-position of the indole system. The reported mercury-mediated iodination [²4] proved to be feasible on a small scale, however, in our case this proved to be difficult when scaling up the reactions. As an alternative, we explored the use of iodine monochloride as the iodination agent, which we had successfully applied to electron-rich phenylethylamine derivatives.^¹6 In the case of tryptamines 3a and 4, this did not prove to be a viable synthetic pathway, because the corresponding chlorides 5 were isolated (Scheme  [³] ). The subsequent Stille reaction (see also Scheme  [4] below) with stannane 6 showed no turnover with chlorides 5. </P>

Scheme 3 Attempted Stille reaction with chlorotryptamines

<P>The synthesis of the desired iodoindoles 7, which were key intermediates for the envisaged palladium-catalyzed carbon-carbon coupling reaction later on in the synthetic route, was carried out using a lithiation/iodination protocol (Scheme  [4] ). Iodo-substituted indoles 7 were obtained in moderate yields. [²5] For the subsequent cross-coupling, the role of the trifluoroacetamide group as a protecting group was exploited. Since palladium-catalyzed coupling only rarely proceeds in the presence of primary amines, this feature could be used to our advantage. In the next step, the allylic alcohol moiety was introduced through Stille coupling with stannane 6. [²6] In the case of iodides 7, the coupling proceeded smoothly to give the desired allylic alcohols 8 (68-71% yield), which could be transformed into the desired methyl carbonates 9 in a straightforward manner (Scheme  [4] ).</P>

Scheme 4 Synthesis of protected allyl carbonates

<P>With the starting materials 9 for the allylic amidation in hand, a method was developed for the selective ring-closing allylic amidation to give β-carbolines 10 (Scheme  [5] ). After screening the reaction conditions, it was found that cesium carbonate in dioxane at 100 ˚C gave the best outcome for this transformation in terms of yields. When carbonates 9 were heated to 100 ˚C in the presence of cesium carbonate, the corresponding tricyclic compounds 10, bearing a vinyl moiety and an easy-to-deprotect trifluoroacetamide, were obtained in yields of up to 82%. Among the other bases investigated, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) gave low conversion (10 and 50%, respectively) under the reaction conditions, whereas 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) led to decomposition of the allylic carbonate 9. Other inorganic bases, such as K₃PO₄, gave no conversion, whereas the use of sodium hydride as a base led to deprotection of the allylic carbonate to give the corresponding alcohols 8. The use of cesium carbonate at lower reaction temperature led to considerably lower conversion of 9 (10% conversion at 90 ˚C), and no reaction took place at 50 ˚C. It should be noted that the allylic amidation could also be carried out by employing microwave heating (300 W), which led to shortening of the reaction time (2 h compared to 16 h under standard conditions), while retaining similar yields. All attempts to render this transformation asymmetric by the use of iridium [¹6] or palladium [²7] catalysis have so far been fruitless.</P>

Scheme 5 Synthesis of β-carboline structures

<P>With this allylic amidation, we have exploited the nucleophilic nature of the trifluoroacetic amide of 9. β-Carbolines 10 are highly versatile building blocks for the synthesis of more complex structures, allowing the generation of a variety of molecules featuring a β-carboline core.</P><P>It is interesting to note that products 10 were isolated as mixtures of isomers/rotamers. Whereas 10a gave rise to two distinct resonances in the ^¹9F NMR spectrum, which we attribute to the E/Z isomers of the trifluoroacetamide, 10b and 10c generated a set of four signals in the ^¹9F NMR spectra. These additional NMR absorptions were assigned to two rotamers resulting from hindered rotation of the benzyl protecting group. To probe this hypothesis, we have conducted variable temperature ^¹9F NMR spectroscopic measurements of 10b (Figure  [²] ). From the data shown in Figure  [²] it can be seen that two signals (peaks 1 and 3) coalesce at 80 ˚C, as expected for rotamers. The fourth signal (Figure  [²] , peak 4) gradually disappears at higher temperatures, a phenomenon that can be attributed to E/Z isomers since, at higher temperatures, the thermodynamically more stable species (peak 2 at δ = -68.2 ppm in Figure  [²] ) should be prevalent in the mixture.</P>

Figure 2 Variable temperature ^¹9F NMR spectroscopic studies of 10b in DMSO-d ₆; temperature range from 25 ˚C (1) to 95 ˚C (15) in increments of 5 ˚C

<P>In summary, we have developed a new, straightforward synthetic pathway towards substituted β-carbolines, which are important, multifunctional building blocks for further syntheses of complex molecules. In our approach, we exploit the various reactivities of the trifluoroacetic amide moiety as a directing group, a protecting group, as well as a nucleophile in the key allylic amidation step. The products obtained carry a terminal olefin as well as a protected secondary amine, which open up possibilities for a multitude of subsequent transformations, rendering these new building blocks highly versatile.</P>

<P>Merck silica gel type 9385, 230-400 mesh was used for chromatography. Merck silica gel 60, 0.25 mm was used for TLC; components were visualized by UV and cerium/molybdenum staining. Reaction progress and conversion were determined by GC-MS (GC, HP6890; MS HP5973) with an HP1 or HP5 column (Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, CA, USA). Mass spectra were recorded with an AEI-MS-902 mass spectrometer (EI+) or a LTQ Orbitrap XL (ESI+). ^¹H, ^¹9F, and ^¹³C NMR spectra were recorded with a Varian AMX400 (400 and 100.59 MHz, respectively), a Varian VXR300 (300 and 75 MHz, respectively), or a Varian Gemini 200 spectrometer, using CDCl₃ as solvent. Chemical shift values (δ) are reported in ppm with the solvent resonance as internal standard (CHCl₃: δ = 7.26 ppm for ^¹H, δ = 77.0 ppm for ^¹³C). Data are reported as follows: chemical shifts, multiplicity (s = singlet, d = doublet, t = triplet, q = quartet, br = broad, m = multiplet), coupling constants (Hz), and integration. All reactions were carried out under a nitrogen atmosphere, using oven-dried glassware and standard Schlenk techniques. CH₂Cl₂ was dried and distilled over CaH₂; THF and Et₂O were dried and distilled over Na/benzophenone. Toluene was dried and distilled over Na. Stannane 6 was prepared according to a literature procedure. [²6] </P>

N -Benzylation or N -Methylation of Tryptamines 1 To Give 2; General Procedure

<P>The appropriate tryptamine 1 (1.00 equiv) was dissolved in DMF (10 mL/mmol) at 50 ˚C and added to a stirred solution of NaH (1.10 equiv) in DMF (10 mL/mmol) and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. BnBr or MeI (1.10 equiv) was added dropwise. After stirring at 50 ˚C for 1 h, the reaction was quenched with H₂O (10 mL/mmol) and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3 × 10 mL/mmol). After drying over MgSO₄ and removal of all volatiles, N-substituted tryptamines 2 were obtained as yellow/orange solids, which were used without further purification.</P>

Trifluoroacetylation of 2 To Give 3; General Procedure A

<P>N-Protected tryptamine 2 (1.00 equiv) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (2.5 mL/mmol) and the solution was cooled to 0 ˚C. Pyridine (1.05 equiv) was added and, subsequently, 2,2,2-trifluoroacetic anhydride (1.05 equiv) was added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to r.t. and stirred for 16 h. After completion, the mixture was washed with aq 2 M HCl (3 × 2 mL/mmol) and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration and removal of all volatiles under reduced pressure, the crude product 3 was obtained, which was used without further purification.</P>

2,2,2- N -[2-(1-Methyl-1 H -indol-3-yl)ethyl]trifluoroacetamide (3a)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure A from 2a (1.00 equiv, 3.48 g, 20 mmol).</P><P>Yield: 4.70 g (17.40 mmol, 87%); brown solid.</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.59 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.42-7.09 (m, 3 H), 6.91 (s, 1 H), 6.70-6.30 (br s, 1 H), 3.76 (s, 3 H), 3.68 (dd, J = 12.9, 6.5 Hz, 2 H), 3.15-2.97 (m, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 137.18, 127.37, 126.91, 121.98, 119.16, 118.50, 110.14, 109.44, 40.28, 32.61, 24.56. COCF₃ peaks not observed.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -76.00.</P><P>HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H⁺] calcd for C₁₃H₁₄F₃N₂O: 271.1053; found: 271.1035.</P>

N -[2-(1-Benzyl-1 H -indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (3b)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure A from 2b (1.00 equiv, 5.01 g, 20 mmol).</P><P>Yield: 6.44 g (18.60 mmol, 93%); brown solid.</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.81-7.59 (m, 1 H), 7.51-7.11 (m, 8 H), 7.09-6.90 (m, 2 H), 5.31 (s, 2 H), 3.73 (dd, J = 13.1, 6.7 Hz, 2 H), 3.12 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 137.24, 136.68, 128.77, 128.60, 127.58, 127.51, 126.66, 126.13, 122.00, 119.26, 118.59, 110.84, 109.80, 49.68, 40.04, 24.41. COCF₃ peaks not observed.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.74.</P><P>HRMS (APCI): m/z [M + H⁺] calcd for C₁₉H₁₈F₃N₂O: 347.1366; found: 347.1361.</P>

N -[2-(1-Benzyl-5-methoxy-1 H -indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (3c)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure A from 2c (1.00 equiv, 1.475 g, 5.26 mmol).</P><P>Yield: 1.657 g (4.40 mmol, 84%); orange solid.</P><P> ^¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.35-7.22 (m, 2 H), 7.18 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.10 (d, J = 6.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.02 (s, 1 H), 6.95 (s, 1 H), 6.91-6.83 (m, 1 H), 6.41 (br s, 1 H), 5.25 (s, 2 H), 3.86 (s, 3 H), 3.68 (dd, J = 12.7, 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.02 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 154.13, 137.31, 132.10, 128.77, 127.89, 127.69, 126.85, 126.73, 112.47, 110.83, 110.23, 100.32, 55.85, 50.14, 40.00, 24.64. COCF₃ peaks not observed.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.97.</P><P>HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na⁺] calcd for C₂₀H₁₉F₃N₂O₂Na: 399.1291; found: 399.1277.</P>

N -[2-(1 H -Indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (4)

<P>Tryptamine (1.00 equiv, 1.00 g, 6.24 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) and the solution was cooled to 0 ˚C. Pyridine (0.530 mL, 6.55 mmol, 4.00 equiv) was added and, subsequently, trifluoroacetic anhydride (0.926 mL, 6.55 mmol, 5.00 equiv) was added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to r.t. and stirred for 16 h. After completion (reaction monitored by TLC), the mixture was washed with aq 2 M HCl (3 × 10 mL) and dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and all volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to give 4, which was used without further purification.</P><P>Yield: 1.567 g (6.12 mmol, 98%); brown solid.</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.46 (br s, 1 H), 7.71 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.51-7.20 (m, 3 H), 7.17-6.97 (m, 2 H), 3.70 (q, J = 6.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.10 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 157.40 (q, J = 36.9 Hz), 136.31, 126.85, 122.28, 122.02, 119.31, 118.19, 115.84 (q, J = 286.8 Hz), 111.36, 111.29, 40.17, 24.31.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.89.</P><P>HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H⁺] calcd for C₁₂H₁₂F₃N₂O: 257.0896; found: 257.0877.</P>

Chlorination of 4/3a to give 5; General Procedure B

<P>Trifluoracetamide 4 or 3a (1.00 equiv) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL/mmol) at 21 ˚C, and a solution of iodine monochloride (1 N in CH₂Cl₂, 1.10 equiv) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature until full conversion was reached (reaction monitored by TLC). The mixture was washed with H₂O (10 mL/mmol) and brine (10 mL/mmol), and the organic phases were dried over MgSO₄. Removal of all volatiles and purification by column chromatography gave 5.</P>

N -[2-(2-Chloro-1 H -indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (5a)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure B from 4 (1.00 equiv, 2.00 g, 7.81 mmol) after purification by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 10:1).</P><P>Yield: 1.807 g (6.22 mmol, 80%); light-brown solid; R _f  = 0.75 (pentane-EtOAc, 8:2).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.43 (br s, 1 H), 7.56-7.43 (m, 1 H), 7.38-7.06 (m, 3 H), 6.60 (br s, 1 H), 3.64 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 2 H), 3.03 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 134.49, 127.08, 122.64, 121.71, 120.46, 117.68, 110.75, 107.79, 39.77, 23.15. COCF₃ resonances not observed.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -76.06.</P><P>HRMS (APCI): m/z [M - Cl^-] calcd for C₁₂H_1oF₃N₂O: 255.0745; found: 255.0737.</P>

N -[2-(2-Chloro-1-methyl-1 H -indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (5b)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure B from 3a (1.00 equiv, 1.920 g, 7.10 mmol) after purification by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 10:1).</P><P>Yield: 1.688 g (5.54 mmol, 78%); yellow solid; R _f  = 0.80 (pentane-EtOAc, 8:2).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.52 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.35-7.25 (m, 2 H), 7.24-7.08 (m, 1 H), 6.48 (br s, 1 H), 3.74 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 3 H), 3.64 (q, J = 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.06 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 135.82, 126.20, 124.50, 122.22, 120.19, 117.70, 109.30, 106.86, 39.87, 29.89, 23.58. COCF₃ resonances not observed.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -76.06.</P><P>HRMS (APCI): m/z [M - Cl^-] calcd for C₁₃H₁₂F₃N₂O: 269.0902; found: 269.0894.</P>

Iodination of 3 To Give 7; General Procedure C

<P>Trifluoroacetamide 3 (1.00 equiv) was dissolved in Et₂O (5 mL/mmol) and cooled to 0 ˚C. BuLi (1.6 M in hexanes, 2.50 equiv) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to r.t. After 2 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ˚C, and iodine (1.50 equiv) was added. After warming to r.t., the reaction was quenched by addition of sat. aq Na₂S₂O₃ (5 mL/mmol), washed with H₂O (3 × 5 mL/mmol) and extracted with Et₂O (3 × 5 mL/mmol). After drying over MgSO₄, all volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. Purification of the crude mixture by column chromatography gave the desired products 7.</P>

2,2,2-Trifluoro- N -[2-(2-iodo-1-methyl-1 H -indol-3-yl)eth­yl]acet­amide (7a)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure C from 3a (1.00 equiv, 0.500 g, 1.850 mmol) and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 8:2).</P><P>Yield: 0.403 g (1.018 mmol, 55%); white solid; R _f  = 0.80 (pentane-EtOAc, 8:2).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.60 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.32 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.18 (dd, J = 15.9, 7.9 Hz, 2 H), 7.07 (br s, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3 H), 3.65 (q, J = 6.7 Hz, 2 H), 3.09 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 159.29 (q, J = 36.8 Hz), 138.40, 127.36, 122.03, 119.50, 117.49, 116.63, 115.76 (q, J = 288.6 Hz), 109.69, 87.84, 39.92, 33.99, 26.61.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.67.</P><P>HRMS (APCI): m/z [M + H⁺ - I] calcd for C₁₃H₁₃F₃N₂O: 270.0980; found: 269.9763.</P>

N -[2-(1-Benzyl-2-iodo-1 H -indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2,2,2-trifluoro­acetamide (7b)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure C from 3b (1.00 equiv, 2.00 g, 5.77 mmol) and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 10:1).</P><P>Yield: 1.309 g (2.77 mmol, 48%); white solid; R _f  = 0.66 (pentane-EtOAc, 10:1).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.64-7.51 (m, 1 H), 7.37-7.21 (m, 4 H), 7.20-7.09 (m, 2 H), 7.07-6.97 (m, 2 H), 6.35 (br s, 1 H), 5.44 (s, 2 H), 3.69 (q, J = 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.11 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 157.21 (q, J = 36.4 Hz), 138.37, 136.87, 128.65, 127.78, 127.44, 126.24, 122.48, 119.99, 117.74, 117.44, 115.75 (q, J = 286.8 Hz), 110.34, 87.87, 50.60, 39.87, 26.83.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.77.</P><P>HRMS (APCI): m/z [M + H⁺ - I] calcd for C₁₉H₁₇F₃N₂O: 346.1293; found: 346.0073. </P>

N -[2-(1-Benzyl-2-iodo-5-methoxy-1 H -indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (7c)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure C from 3c (1.00 equiv, 1.657 g, 4.40 mmol) and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 10:1).</P><P>Yield: 1.150 g (2.289 mmol, 52%); white solid; R _f  = 0.55 (pentane-EtOAc, 10:1).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.43-7.21 (m, 4 H), 7.15 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.01 (dd, J = 9.3, 2.5 Hz, 2 H), 6.78 (dd, J = 8.9, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.37 (br s, 1 H), 5.39 (s, 2 H), 3.84 (s, 3 H), 3.68 (dd, J = 12.7, 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.07 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 154.41, 137.00, 133.78, 128.76, 128.56, 127.55, 126.98, 126.27, 116.70, 112.81, 111.30, 99.36, 55.79, 50.92, 39.88, 26.88. COCF₃ resonances not observed.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.88.</P><P>HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na⁺] calcd for C₂₀H₁₈F₃IN₂O₂Na: 525.0257; found: 525.0236.</P>

Stille Reaction of 7 To Give Allylic Alcohols 8; General Procedure D

<P>Iodide 7 (1.00 equiv), (E)-3-(tributylstannyl)prop-2-en-1-ol (6; 1.50 equiv), bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride (5.0 mol%) and LiCl (3.0 equiv) were dissolved in DMF (20 mL/mmol) and the mixture was heated to 75 ˚C for 16 h. The reaction was quenched by addition of H₂O (20 mL/mmol), EtOAc (20 mL/mmol) was added, and the organic phases were washed with brine (20 mL/mmol). After drying over MgSO₄ and removal of all volatiles, the crude product was purified by column chromatography to give 8. </P>

( E )-2,2,2-Trifluoro- N -{2-[2-(3-hydroxyprop-1-enyl)-1-methyl-1 H -indol-3-yl]ethyl}acetamide (8a)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure D from 7a (1.00 equiv, 0.300 g, 0.757 mmol) and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 1:1).</P><P>Yield: 0.167 g (0.512 mmol, 68%); orange solid; R _f  = 0.30 (pentane-EtOAc, 1:1).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.58 (dd, J = 7.8, 0.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.44-7.22 (m, 3 H), 7.20-7.07 (m, 1 H), 6.69 (d, J = 16.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.29 (dd, J = 13.4, 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.40 (d, J = 5.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.69 (s, 3 H), 3.59 (dd, J = 13.7, 6.8 Hz, 2 H), 3.14 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 157.44 (q, J = 37.3 Hz), 137.16, 134.46, 133.84, 127.26, 122.17, 119.43, 118.92, 118.09, 115.78 (q, J = 287.9 Hz), 109.19, 109.09, 63.31, 40.45, 30.42, 23.92.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.88.</P><P>HRMS (APCI+): m/z [M + H⁺] calcd for C₁₆H₁₈F₃N₂O₂: 327.1320; found: 325.1147.</P>

( E )- N -{2-[1-Benzyl-2-(3-hydroxyprop-1-enyl)-1 H -indol-3-yl]ethyl}-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (8b)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure D from 7b (1.00 equiv, 0.285 g, 0.604 mmol) and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 1:1).</P><P>Yield: 0.172 g (0.427 mmol, 71%); white solid; R _f  = 0.50 (pentane-EtOAc, 1:1).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.59 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.33-7.10 (m, 6 H), 7.00 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 2 H), 6.71-6.54 (m, 2 H), 6.18 (dt, J = 16.1, 5.3 Hz, 1 H), 5.37 (s, 2 H), 4.28 (d, J = 5.2 Hz, 2 H), 3.65 (dd, J = 13.4, 6.8 Hz, 2 H), 3.19 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 137.61, 137.15, 134.73, 134.59, 128.80, 127.56, 127.37, 125.87, 122.68, 119.98, 118.80, 118.33, 109.88, 109.60, 63.47, 47.31, 40.42, 24.04. COCF₃ resonances not observed.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -76.00.</P><P>HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na⁺] calcd for C₂₂H₂₁F₃N₂O₂Na: 425.1447; found: 425.1432.</P>

( E )- N -{2-[1-Benzyl-2-(3-hydroxyprop-1-en-1-yl)-5-methoxy-1 H -indol-3-yl]ethyl}-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (8c)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure D from 7c (1.00 equiv, 0.270 g, 0.538 mmol) and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 1:1).</P><P>Yield: 0.158 g (0.366 mmol, 68%); white solid; R _f  = 0.5 (pentane-EtOAc, 1:1).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.26 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 3 H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.03 (s, 1 H), 6.98 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 2 H), 6.91 (br s, 1 H), 6.83 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.58 (d, J = 16.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.15 (d, J = 15.8 Hz, 1 H), 5.31 (s, 2 H), 4.25 (s, 2 H), 3.85 (s, 3 H), 3.62 (d, J = 5.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.14 (br s, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 157.38 (q, J = 37.6 Hz), 154.40, 137.70, 135.12, 134.11, 132.39, 128.75, 127.92, 127.30, 125.80, 118.89, 115.83 (q, J = 287.4 Hz), 112.75, 110.70, 109.22, 100.08, 63.40, 55.83, 47.34, 40.29, 24.06.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.94.</P><P>HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na⁺] calcd for C₂₃H₂₃F₃N₂O₃Na: 455.1553; found: 455.1539.</P>

Conversion of Allylic Alcohols 8 into Allylic Carbonates 9; General­ Procedure E

<P>The appropriate allylic alcohol 8 (1.00 equiv) and anhydrous pyridine (1.50 equiv) were dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL/mmol) and the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ˚C. Methyl chloroformate (1.10 equiv) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h, while allowing it to warm to 21 ˚C. When TLC indicated full conversion of the starting material, the mixture was washed with aq 2 M HCl (3 × 2 mL/mmol) and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration and removal of all volatiles under reduced pressure, the desired products 9 were obtained in sufficient purity.</P>

( E )-Methyl 3-{1-Methyl-3-[2-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)ethyl]-1 H -indol-2-yl}allyl Carbonate (9a)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure E from 8a (1.00 equiv, 0.160 g, 0.490 mmol).</P><P>Yield: 0.185 g (0.481 mmol, 98%); yellow foam.</P><P> ^¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.62-7.55 (m, 1 H), 7.32-7.25 (m, 2 H), 7.17-7.10 (m, 1 H), 6.84-6.72 (m, 2 H), 6.19 (dt, J = 16.2, 6.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.85 (dd, J = 6.2, 1.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.83-3.82 (s, 2 H), 3.73 (s, 3 H), 3.60 (q, J = 6.8 Hz, 2 H), 3.13 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 157.14 (q, J = 36.5 Hz), 155.47, 137.51, 133.42, 127.18, 126.88, 122.84, 122.70, 119.66, 118.37, 115.73 (q, J = 288.2 Hz), 110.40, 109.30, 68.29, 54.78, 40.41, 30.70, 23.96.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.98.</P><P>HRMS (APCI): m/z [M - OCO₂Me] calcd for C₁₆H₁₆F₃N₂O: 309.1215; found: 309.1199.</P>

( E )-3-{1-Benzyl-3-[2-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)ethyl]-1 H -indol-2-yl}allyl Methyl Carbonate (9b)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure E from 8b (1.00 equiv, 0.230 g, 0.572 mmol).</P><P>Yield: 0.257 g (0.558 mmol, 98%); yellow foam.</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.65 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.41-7.10 (m, 6 H), 7.09-6.98 (m, 2 H), 7.10-6.95 (m, 2 H), 6.12 (dt, J = 16.2, 6.1 Hz, 1 H), 5.38 (s, 2 H), 4.76 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.79 (s, 3 H), 3.66 (dd, J = 13.2, 6.7 Hz, 2 H), 3.19 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 155.39, 137.39, 137.36, 133.54, 128.74, 127.53, 127.47, 127.34, 125.82, 123.01, 122.57, 120.03, 118.55, 110.79, 109.83, 68.12, 54.76, 47.29, 40.33, 24.10. COCF₃ resonances not observed.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.95.</P><P>HRMS (APCI): m/z [M - OCO₂Me] calcd for C₂₂H₂₀F₃N₂O: 385.1528; found: 385.1507.</P>

( E )-3-{1-Benzyl-5-methoxy-3-[2-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)ethyl]-1 H -indol-2-yl}allyl Methyl Carbonate (9c)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure E from 8c (1.00 equiv, 0.137 g, 0.317 mmol).</P><P>Yield: 0.142 g (0.290 mmol, 91%); yellow foam. </P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.35-7.20 (m, 3 H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.05 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.03-6.96 (m, 2 H), 6.85 (dd, J = 8.9, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.79-66.0 (m, 2 H), 6.07 (dt, J = 16.2, 6.1 Hz, 1 H), 5.33 (s, 2 H), 4.74 (dd, J = 6.1, 1.2 Hz, 2 H), 3.85 (s, 3 H), 3.77 (s, 3 H), 3.65 (dd, J = 13.2, 6.7 Hz, 2 H), 3.14 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 157.15 (q, J = 37.0 Hz), 155.41, 154.49, 137.48, 133.95, 132.65, 128.75, 127.82, 127.34, 127.08, 125.79, 122.74, 115.76 (q, J = 287.2 Hz), 113.38, 110.74, 110.39, 100.00, 68.18, 55.70, 54.78, 47.41, 40.24, 24.14.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.93.</P><P>HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na⁺] calcd for C₂₅H₂₅F₃N₂O₅Na: 513.1608; found: 513.1585.</P>

Allylic Amidation of 9 To Give β-Carbolines 10; General Procedure F

<P>The appropriate allylic carbonate 9 (1.00 equiv) was dissolved in dioxane (50 mL/mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (2.00 equiv) was added. The reaction was stirred for 16 h at 100 ˚C. After cooling, H₂O (50 mL/mmol) was added and the mixture was extracted with Et₂O (3 × 20 mL/mmol). After drying over MgSO₄ and removal of all volatiles under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by column chromatography to give the desired products 10.</P>

2,2,2-Trifluoro-1-[9-methyl-1-vinyl-3,4-dihydro-1 H -pyrido-indol­-2(9 H )-yl]ethanone (10a)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure F from 9a (1.00 equiv, 0.020 g, 0.052 mmol) and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 10:1). The product was isolated as a mixture of two isomers (ratio 1:7).</P><P>Yield: 0.013 g (0.043 mmol, 82%); white solid; R _f  = 0.95 (pentane-EtOAc, 10:1).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (major isomer) = 7.57-7.45 (m, 1 H), 7.38-7.23 (m, 2 H), 7.23-7.06 (m, 1 H), 6.23 (br d, J = 5.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.17-5.95 (m, 1 H), 5.48 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, 1 H), 5.09 (d, J = 17.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.17 (br d, J = 14.1 Hz, 1 H), 3.71-3.47 (m, 4 H), 3.12-2.74 (m, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 133.05, 130.56, 129.98, 125.93, 122.02, 121.22, 119.47, 118.26, 109.07, 107.83, 51.60, 39.91, 29.86, 22.15. COCF₃ resonances not observed.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -68.55 (minor), -68.99 (major).</P><P>HRMS (APCI): m/z [M + H⁺] calcd for C₁₆H₁₆F₃N₂O: 309.1209; found: 309.1220.</P>

1-{9-Benzyl-1-vinyl-3,4-dihydro-1 H -pyrido[3,4- b ]indol-2(9 H )-yl}-2,2,2-trifluoroethanone (10b)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure F from 9b (1.00 equiv, 0.037 g, 0.080 mmol) and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 10:1). NMR analysis indicated the presence four isomers in a ratio 1.5:5:1.5:1. When investigated by variable-temperature ^¹9F NMR spectroscopy, two of the observed resonances coalesce at 80 ˚C, while one of the other set of two resonances disappeared. </P><P>Yield: 0.023 g (0.061 mmol, 76%); white solid; R _f  = 0.85 (pentane-EtOAc, 10:1).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (201 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (major rotamers) = 7.53-7.41 (m, 1 H), 7.31-7.00 (m, 7 H), 6.95-6.83 (m, 1 H), 6.10-1.03 (m, 1 H), 6.01-5.81 (m, 1 H), 5.45-5.25 (m, 2 H), 5.18 (d, J = 10.3 Hz, 1 H), 5.13-4.87 (m, 1 H), 4.20-4.00 (m, 1 H), 3.63-3.42 (m, 1 H), 3.08-2.72 (m, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (major rotamers) = 137.19, 136.86, 132.94, 128.99, 128.84, 127.54, 126.08, 125.78, 122.34, 121.24, 120.29, 119.74, 118.34, 109.96, 47.01, 29.70, 22.18. COCF₃ resonances not observed.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (189 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -68.91 (1.5), -68.97 (5), -69.04 (1.5), -70.17 (1).</P><P>HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H⁺] calcd for C₂₂H₂₀F₃N₂O: 385.1522; found: 385.1511.</P>

1-{9-Benzyl-6-methoxy-1-vinyl-3,4-dihydro-1 H -pyrido[3,4- b ]indol-2(9 H )-yl}-2,2,2-trifluoroethanone (10c)

<P>Obtained according to general procedure F from 9c (1.00 equiv, 0.025 g, 0.051 mmol) and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 10:1). NMR analysis indicated the presence four isomers in a ratio 2:6:2:1. See also comment to 10b.</P><P>Yield: 0.017 g (0.042 mmol, 82%); white solid; R _f  = 0.65 (pentane-EtOAc, 10:1).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (major peaks only) = 7.44-6.77 (m, 8 H), 6.11 (d, J = 5.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.07-5.93 (m, 1 H), 5.50-4.98 (m, 4 H), 4.25-4.12 (m, 1 H), 3.85 (s, 3 H), 3.67-3.54 (m, 1 H), 3.11-2.94 (m, 1 H), 2.93-2.78 (m, 1 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 155.97 (q, J = 35.2 Hz), 154.29, 136.96, 132.96, 131.19, 128.98, 128.83, 127.52, 126.06, 125.95, 121.13, 116.52 (q, J = 287.7 Hz), 112.17, 110.77, 108.02, 100.46, 55.90, 51.76, 47.14, 39.92, 22.23.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -68.91 (2), -68.96 (6), -69.02 (2), -70.18 (1).</P><P>HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H⁺] calcd for C₂₃H₂₂F₃N₂O₂: 415.1628; found: 415.1631.</P>

N -{2-[1-Benzyl-2-(1-hydroxyallyl)-1 H -indol-3-yl]ethyl}-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (12)

<P> N-[2-(1-Benzyl-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (3b; 1.00 equiv, 1.00 g, 2.89 mmol) was dissolved in Et₂O (10 mL) and cooled to 0 ˚C. BuLi (3.97 mL, 6.35 mmol, 2.50 equiv) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to r.t. After 2 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ˚C, and acrylaldehyde (0.212 mL, 3.18 mmol, 1.50 equiv) was added. After warming to r.t., the reaction was quenched by addition of sat. Na₂S₂O₃ (10 mL), the mixture washed with H₂O (3 × 10 mL) and extracted with Et₂O (3 × 20 mL). After drying over MgSO₄, all volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to give the crude product, which was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; pentane-EtOAc, 7:3) to give 12.</P><P>Yield: 0.523 g (1.299 mmol, 45%); yellow solid; R _f  = 0.90 (pentane-EtOAc, 8:2).</P><P> ^¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.14 (br s, 1 H), 7.62 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.37-7.10 (m, 6 H), 6.97 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 2 H), 6.04 (ddd, J = 17.0, 10.4, 5.0 Hz, 1 H), 5.56 (d, J = 5.0 Hz, 1 H), 5.44 (d, J = 4.6 Hz, 2 H), 5.33-5.11 (m, 2 H), 3.64 (dd, J = 11.9, 5.0 Hz, 3 H), 3.37-3.08 (m, 2 H).</P><P> ^¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 157.52 (q, J = 37.6 Hz), 137.81, 137.69, 136.81, 135.86, 128.63, 127.27, 127.24, 125.66, 122.47, 119.71, 118.37, 115.84 (q, J = 288.4 Hz), 115.52, 109.84, 109.69, 67.47, 46.83, 40.60, 22.47.</P><P> ^¹9F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = -75.67.</P><P>HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na⁺] calcd for C₂₂H₂₁F₃N₂O₂Na: 425.1447; found: 425.1456.</P>

Acknowledgment

<P>This work was financially supported by the Dutch National Re­search School ‘combination catalysis controlled by chemical design’ (NRSC-Catalysis). M.F.-M. thanks the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) for a postdoctoral fellowship.</P>

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Scheme 6

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