Nazarov cyclization of 1,4-pentadien-3-ols: preparation of cyclopenta[b]indoles and spiro[indene-1,4'-quinoline]s.

The first Lewis acid-catalyzed intramolecular interrupted Nazarov cyclization of 1,4-pentadien-3-ols is described. Using FeBr3 as the catalyst, a series of new substituted cyclopenta[b]indoles was prepared-through a sequence of Nazarov cyclization, nucleophilic amination, and isomerization-with good yields and high diastereo- and regioselectivities. A similar catalytic process was also developed for the synthesis of structurally interesting spiro[indene-1,4'-quinoline]s.