Synthesis of 6-Oxo-1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b -octahydroindolo[2,3-a ]quinolizine

An efficient synthesis of 6-oxo-1,2,3,4,5,7,12,12b-octahydroindolo[2,3-α]quinolizine from 2-acetylpyridine and phenylhydrazine is described. This derivative of the natural alkaloid desbromoarborescidine A is an important entry point to the sarpagine-vobasine family of plant alkaloids.