Construction of benzo[a]carbazole derivatives via Diels-Alder reaction of arynes with vinylindolesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. CCDC 1059087. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c5ra11025d

A new protocol for a highly efficienct and versatile Diels-Alder reaction of vinylindoles with arynes (generated form 2-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflate) has been developed. Various functionalized benzo[ a ]carbazoles were afforded in good to perfect yields via [4 + 2] cycloaddition/aromatization. A protocol for high-efficiency and versatile Diels-Alder reaction of vinylindoles with arynes has been developed. Various functionalized benzo[ a ]carbazoles were afforded in good to perfect yields via [4 + 2] cycloaddition / aromatization.