A facile and efficient method for the synthesis of tetrahydro-β-carbolines via the Pictet-Spengler reaction in water/citric acid

A effortless and efficient preparation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carbolines in a single step the reaction of aldehydes and tryptamine from the environmentally friendly citric acid reagent in water was evaluated. This simple and smooth synthesis of numerous tryptolines was accelerated by natural citric acid with a good yield. The use of green reaction condition wassimple for purification and a cost-effective protocol suggestion for production 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carbolines derivatives.