First enantioselective synthesis of tetrahydrochromeno[2,3-b]carbazolylacetaldehyde via trienamine catalysis and its biological activity

The first enantioselective synthesis of a tetrahydrochromeno[2,3- b ]carbazole derivative via trienamine catalysis is presented. This molecule reduced the anxiety-like behavior in mice. On the contrary, its enantiomer showed low activity, demonstrating the importance of the stereochemisty in the corresponding cycloadduct. On the other hand, both enantiomers showed low antidepressant-like activity.