The preparation of 1-benzoyl-6,7-dimethoxy-5-keto-1,2,2a,3,4,5-hexahydrobenz[cd]indole

The synthesis of 1 - benzoyl - 6,7 - dimethoxy - 5 - keto - 1,2,2a,3,4,5 - hexahydrobenz[cd]indole (10) is described. Reduction of the pyrrole ring of 3 - (5',6' - dimethoxy - 3' - indolyl)propanoic acid (6) with borane pyridine complex and a proton source, followed by N-benzoylation furnished the corresponding indoline derivative 3 - (1' -benzoyl - 5', 6' - dimethoxy - 3' - indolinyl)propanoic acid (7). This acid was cyclized with PPA to the target tricyclic ketone (10).