An intramolecular azomethine ylide–alkene cycloaddition approach to pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinolines-synthesis of a C2-truncated martinelline model

The hexahydropyrrolo[3,2-c]quinoline core found in the Martinella alkaloids was constructed through an intramolecular [3+2] azomethine ylide–alkene cycloaddition. Some chemical manipulations of the tricycle are reported.