Intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction for the synthesis of tetracyclic carbazoles and isocanthines

One pot intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction has been efficiently used as a new route for the synthesis of four tetracyclic carbazoles and four isocanthine analogues where a dialdehyde is utilised as a common intermediate for both the scaffolds. Biological activity was evaluated for some molecules, which demonstrated moderate activity against HeLa cervical cancer cell lines.