From biomass to medicines. A simple synthesis of indolo[3,2-c]quinolines, antimalarial alkaloid isocryptolepine, and its derivativesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental procedures, characterization data and copies of 1H and 13C NMR spectra for all new compounds. See DOI: 10.1039/c2ob25836f

Indolo[3,2- c ]quinolines are pharmacologically attractive class of heterocyclic compounds. The method of their synthesis, based on transformation of furfural, which is a large-scale product of treatment of biomass including agricultural and forestry wastes, has been developed. This method was utilized for the total synthesis of antimalarial alkaloid isocryptolepine and its derivatives. An approach to indolo[3,2- c ]quinolines, alkaloid isocryptolepine and its derivatives from furfural is described.