A new group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors containing 1,2-dihydrocyclopenta[b]indol-3(4H)-one scaffold was synthesized, starting from indole 5-((1H-indol-3-yl)(1,3-dioxane-4,6-diones as a key intermediates. Following three transformations including intramolecular cyclization and formation of imines, a series of new ligand for human serotonin transporter was obtained. The ability of these ligands to inhibit human TS3 serotonin transporter as well as selectivity toward human D3 dopamine receptor and dopamine transporter were tested in silico using docking software.

Herein, we describe the synthesis of a 1,2,4-trisubstituted carbazole core from 5-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-oxopentanoic acid esters or amides. For oxidative cyclization, we tested two different approaches. First, we used manganese triacetate as a conventional moderate oxidizer to ensure the radical course of the reaction. Second, we examined the use of a more complex oxidizing agent I2/Me(OTf)3. In both cases, formation of a fused-ring carbazole system with a 2-hydroxyl and 1-carboxylic substituent were observed. In connection with the formation of an unexpected reaction intermediate, mechanistic aspects of the process were discussed.