Pictet-Spengler reactions of oxetan-3-ones and related heterocycles

Pictet-Spengler reactions of oxetan-3-ones and azetidin-3-ones with tryptamine and tryptophan derivatives produce spirocyclic tetrahydro-β-carbolines in good yields. Molecular iodine (5 mol %) is an effective catalyst in most cases and high levels of diastereoselectivity are witnessed using 2-substituted oxetan-3-ones.