Straightforward Access to Hexahydropyrrolo[2,3- b]indole Core by a Regioselective C3-Azo Coupling Reaction of Arenediazonium Compounds with Tryptamines

A base-mediated regioselective electrophilic addition of arenediazonium salts at the C3-position of tryptamines followed by cyclization provides an efficient entry to C3-nitrogenated hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indoles (HPIs) that can subsequently be transformed into 3-arylhexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indoles and other HPI derivatives. The reaction is the first example of a 1,2-diamination that utilizes easily accessible arenediazonium salts as nitrogenous electrophiles.