Base-controlled dearomative [3 + 2] cycloadditions between 3-nitro-indoles and fumaric acid amide esters.

The base-controlled dearomative [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between 3-nitroindoles and fumaric acid amide esters has been disclosed by using the dearomatization and aromatization strategy. Three kinds of diverse functionalized pyrrolo[2,3- b ]indole derivatives were obtained respectively with excellent chemoselectivities and good diastereoselectivities using different bases.