Duphar International Research Bv

Johan W Scheeren

Cornelis G Kruse

Jan H Van Maarseveen

Peter H Hermkens

The invention relates to a method of preparing N-oxo-tetrahydro-.beta.-carbolines having formula 1. ##STR1## by an intramolecular ringclosure reaction of compounds of formula 2. ##STR2## wherein Z is an aldehyde function or acetal function, or is a functional group which can be converted into such a function during the ringclosure reaction. The eudistomin derivatives within the group of compounds having formula 1 have strong antiviral and antitumour activity.

Method of preparing N-oxo-tetrahydro-.beta.-carbolines

The invention relates to a method of preparing N-oxo-tetrahydro-.beta.-carbolines having formula 1. ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is lower alkyl or alkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, lower alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, lower mono- or dialkyl- or acylamino.

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Weesp, Netherlands

Johan W Scheeren