Organocatalytic enantioselective Friedel-Crafts reaction: an efficient access to chiral isoindolo-β-carboline derivatives.

An organocatalytic asymmetric Friedel-Crafts reaction between indole and indole-derived hydroxylactams has been realized to furnish isoindolo-β-carbolines in good to excellent yields (up to >99%) and generally high enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee). The methodology offers an efficient access to functionalization of isoindolo-β-carbolines and preparation of chiral isoindolo-β-carboline derivatives.