Metal- and Solvent-Free Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[ c ]carbazolones through NaI-Catalyzed Formal [4 + 2] Annulation.

A novel strategy for the preparation of functional carbazoles through NaI-catalyzed formal [4 + 2] annulation of 2-(indol-3-yl)cyclohexanones and alkynes/alkenes has been developed. The present approach started from easily available raw materials and provided a variety of tetrahydrobenzo[ c ]carbazolones in satisfactory yields under metal- and solvent-free conditions. Furthermore, the products could be further transformed into structurally valuable carbazole-based conjugated derivatives.