A Bronsted acid catalyzed Diels-Alder reaction of 2-vinylindoles and 3-nitrocoumarins has been described. The methodology allows a rapid and expedient synthesis of a variety of coumarin-fused polycyclic indoles in good yields (up to 82%) with high diastereoselectivities (up to >19:1). (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.