N-1 and C-2 substituted tryptophans as potential inhibitors of sickle cell hemoglobin gelation

A series of N-1 or C-2 phenylalkyl substituted tryptophans and C-1 phenylalkyl substituted 3,4-dihydro-β-carbolines were prepared from the apropriate aniline, 1b or 1e , or tryptophan, 8 or 11 , by ring closure methods. None of the compounds prepared were more potent than 5-bromotryptophan (11) as inhibitors of sickle cell hemoglobin gelation.