Synthesis of Azepino[1,2‐a]indole‐10‐amines via [6+1] Annulation of Ynenitriles with Reformatsky Reagent

Abstract Lewis acid‐catalyzed [6+1] annulation reactions of 2‐cyano‐1‐propargyl‐ and 2‐alkynyl‐1‐cyanomethyl‐indoles with Reformatsky reagent are described. 8‐Aryl, 8‐alkyl‐, 8‐hetaryl‐, 9‐aryl, and 9‐alkyl‐azepino[1,2‐a]indole amines were obtained through a 7‐endo‐mode cyclization of the β‐aminoacrylate intermediates. The antiproliferative activity of the azepino[1,2‐a]indoles analogs against the HCT‐116 cells were also examined.