Polyphosphorous acid catalyzed cyclization in the synthesis of cryptolepine derivatives

11-Oxo-10,11-dihydroxy-5H-indolo[3,2,b]quinoline7-carboxylic acid was obtained specifically by polyphosphorous acid catalyzed cyclization with optimal reaction conditions. Biological assays showed that it potentially inhibits the proteasomal chymotrypsin-like activity in vitro and suppresses breast cancer cell growth.