An efficient synthesis of highly functionalized novel chromeno[4,3-b]pyrroles and indolizino[6,7-b]indoles as potent antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.

A facile and efficient synthesis of novel chromeno[4,3-b]pyrroles has been accomplished by intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition which on subsequent Pictet-Spengler cyclisation in presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid yielded indolizino[6,7-b]indoles. The synthesized chromenopyrroles and indolizinoindoles were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Compounds 7b, 7e, 7a and 7d exhibited respectively, good antibacterial and antifungal activities against tested pathogens when compared to reference control.