[4 + 2]Cycloaddition of indole derivatives with bismaleimides: a route to new biscarbazoles

Abstract

New results for the reaction of in situ generated N-acylindole-2,3-quinodimethanes and donor-/acceptor- substituted 3-vinylindoles with some bismaleimides are described. By a [4 + 2]cycloaddition process, a variety of biscarbazoles are formed endo-selectively. These conformationally flexible molecules constitute a new class of compounds believed to have potential as DNA minor groove binding ligands.