Efficient synthesis of N b -thioacyltryptamine derivatives by a three-component Willgerodt–Kindler reaction, and their transformation to 1-substituted-3,4-dihydro-β-carbolines
A practical and efficient synthesis of Nb-thioacyltryptamines has been developed via the three-component reaction of tryptamine, various aldehydes and elemental sulfur. The products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields and proved to be valuable intermediates for the syntheses of 3,4-dihydro-β-carbolines, a compound family of biological significance.