reaction of tryptamine 1 with dimethyl -3-methoxyallylidenemalonate 2 afforded n?-[4,4-bis (methoxycarbonyl)-1,3-butadienyl] tryptamine 3 which in combination with acetylchloride and pyridine in dichloromethane gave n?, n?-[acetyl]-[(4,4-dinethoxycarbonyl) 1,3butadienyl] tryptamine 4. treatment of 3 with sodium hydroxide afforded 2h[n-(3-indolyl) ethyl] 2-oxo-3-methoxycarbonyl-1-pyridine 5. cyc...