A novel synthesis of 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-1H-azepino[5,4,3-cd] indole derivatives from serotonin1

Utilizing novel Nb-substituted serotonins, 5-and/or 6-substituted 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-1H-azepino[5,4,3-cd]indole derivatives are produced simply by treating serotonins with aldehydes under basic conditions. Synthesis of 2,2a,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-7-hydroxy-1H-azepino[5,4,3-cd]indole-2-one derivatives is also reported. © 2011 The Japan Institute of Heterocyclic Chemistry.