Stereoselective synthesis of chiral hydrocarbazoles via the catalytic Diels–Alder reaction of siloxyvinylindole and cyclic Z-olefin

The catalytic Diels–Alder reaction of siloxyvinylindole and cyclic Z-olefin derived from pyroglutamic acid gave optically active substituted hydrocarbazoles. The exo/endo selectivity of this reaction could be controlled by using an appropriate Lewis acid. Scandium triflate gave high exo-selectivity and copper triflate gave moderate endo-selectivity. Subsequent stereoselective alkylation of the cycloadduct led to the synthesis of highly substituted hydrocarbazoles with five continuous chiral centers including a quaternary carbon.