Efficient synthesis of 9H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-9-one derivatives based on active manganese dioxide promoted intramolecular cyclization

A series of 9H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-9-ones have been prepared via in-situ sequential oxidation of [2-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)phenyl]methanols promoted by active manganese dioxide. The procedure led to title compounds in good yields under mild conditions, without the need to isolate the intermediate aldehydes.