β-Carboline represents the core unit of several alkaloids and bioactive agents. This review assimilates the reports pertaining to the synthesis and applications of 1-formyl-9H-β-carbolines for affording 1-substituted, C-1-N-9 and C-1-N-2 fused β-carbolines.
Keywords: β-Carboline, annulated- β-carboline, canthine, canthin-6-one, Morita-Baylis-Hillman, Cycloaddition, alkaloidsm topoisomerase-II, Pictet-Spengler reaction, anticonvulsant.