Catalytic Enolate Arylation with 3-Bromoindoles Allows the Formation of β-Carbolines.

Synthesis of substituted β-carbolines was accomplished by utilizing the catalytic enolate arylation reaction of ketones in conjunction with several 3-bromoindole derivatives. Quenching of the arylation reaction in situ with an electrophile allowed ready incorporation of functionality at the carboline C-4 position in an efficient one-pot protocol.