Synthesis of 2,3,3a,8a-tetrahydroindeno[2,1-b]pyrrole derivatives

A new entry into the 2,3,3a,8a-tetrahydroindeno2,1-b]pyrrole system, 1 , has been investigated. 2,3,3a,8a-Tetrahydro-3a,8a-dihydroxy-1-methylindeno2,1–6]pyrrole-2,8-dione, 3 , formed from the reaction of ninhydrin and N-methylacetamide has been subjected to catalytic hydrogenation, hydride reduction, and chlorination reactions to afford a variety of substituted derivatives of 1 .