A concise and efficient synthesis of acenaphtho[1,2-b]indole derivatives via the domino reactions of enaminones with acenaphthoquinone catalyzed by l-proline has been developed. This protocol has the advantages of good yields, operational convenience and high regioselectivity.
Keywords: acenaphtho[1,2-b]indole; acenaphthoquinone; domino reaction; enaminone; l-proline.