Abstract
The isolation and biological activity of carbazole alkaloids is summarized. Recent developments of novel methodologies for the synthesis of carbazole alkaloids are described. The focus is on syntheses using the oxidative coupling of arylamines with either arenes, cyclohexadienes, or cyclohexene mediated or catalyzed by palladium, iron, or molybdenum. The implementation of these annulations in total syntheses provides highly convergent routes to biologically active carbazole alkaloids. Advantages, scope, and limitations of the different synthetic methods are discussed.
Keywords: carbazole alkaloids, cyclohexene, cyclohexadienes, arylamines