Metal-Free [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Ynamide-Nitriles with Ynamides: A Highly Regio- and Chemoselective Synthesis of δ-Carboline Derivatives.

A metal-free formal [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of functionalized ynamide-nitriles with ynamides is disclosed which offers highly efficient access to polysubstituted delta-carboline derivatives under the mediation of TfOH. This strategy is highly regioselective and chemoselective and displays mild conditions, high yields, and efficiency (within 1 min) in addition to substrates scopes (56 examples).