The gold-catalyzed intermolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition and competitive Michael addition reactions between 2-vinylindoles and enones/enals are reported. The reaction outcome strictly correlates with the electronic character of the heteroaromatic substrate. Thus, Diels–Alder cycloadducts are the sole products in the presence of less electron-rich heterocycles, whereas Michael addition adducts are
2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazoles by Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions between [(E)-2-vinyl]indole-1-carboxylic acid ethyl esters and open-chainC=Cdienophiles is reported and discussed. The reactions proceed with high regioselectivity whereas the diastereoselectivity ranges from moderate to excellent depending on the substitution pattern on both the dienes and dienophiles and on the catalyst employed.