A cascade reaction of azolopyrimidines. Synthesis of unusual indole and azaindole derivatives.

The reaction of bromo substituted pyrido[3',2':4,5]pyrrolo-[1,2-c]pyrimidine and pyrimido[1,6-a]indole methyl carboxylates with primary amines is described. The expected amide formation occurs but it is followed by an unexpected cascade process involving attack of the amine to the pyrimidine ring, opening of the pyrimidine ring, loss of the bromine substituent and competitive cyclizations to afford unusual imidazolidene substituted indoles and azaindoles.