A general intramolecular Friedel–Crafts approach to functionalized pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-4-ones

An indium(III)-catalyzed intramolecular Friedel–Crafts annulation for the efficient synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-4-ones is described. The products are formed in good to excellent yields (51–97%) with diastereoselectivities up to >99 : 1 dr.