TMSOTf-Promoted Cyclization of Indole-2-methyl-α-aminoketones: Access to 4‑Aryl-Substituted β‑Carbolines

An efficient method to construct 4-aryl-substituted β-carbolines from indole-2-methyl-α-aminoketones via a TMSOTf-promoted annulation reaction was reported. High yield along with wide substrate scope and functional group tolerance make this reaction applicable to build various highly potential bioactive β-carboline derivatives.