Using the Pictet–Spenglerreactions of tryptophan with aldehydes under acidic conditions at ambient temperature, diastereoisomers of 1,3-disubstituted-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carbolines could readily be furnished in short time (0.5–4 h) with good to excellent yields (50–98%). Though intrinsically slow in reaction rates, ketone reactions can be accelerated (from days to minutes) using microwaves in open