A versatile linkage strategy for solid-phase synthesis of N,N-dimethyltryptamines and beta-carbolines.

Various tryptamines are captured by a vinylsulfonylmethyl polystyrene resin, generating a safety-catch linkage. Beta-carbolines can be formed from 4 by a Pictet-Spengler reaction with the introduction of R(1). Tryptamine 4 can also be derivatized by acylation or copper-mediated coupling to introduce R(2). If X = Br, Suzuki coupling can be used to introduce R(3). After derivatization, the indole derivatives are activated with methyl iodide and released under mild basic condition. [reaction: see text]