Synthesis of hexahydro[1,4]diazocino[7,8,1-jk]carbazoles and 1-methoxy-9-(β-vinylethylamino)ethylcarbazoles

3-Ethylhexahydropyrazino[3,2,1-jk]carbazole is converted into hexahydro[1,4]diazocino[7,8,1-jk]carb-azoles by the action of methyl propiolate and acetylacetylene in acetonitrile and into 1-methoxy-9-(β- vinylethylamino)ethylcarbazoles by the action of acetylenedicarboxylic ester and methyl propiolate in methanol. 3-Benzyl-substituted pyrazinocarbazole does not react with alkynes. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.