On the basis of the original lead neocryptolepine or 5-methyl-5 H-indolo [2, 3-b] quinoline, an alkaloid from Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, derivatives were prepared using a biradical cyclization methodology. Starting from easily accessible educts, this approach allowed the synthesis of hitherto unknown compounds with a varied substitution pattern. As a result of steric hindrance, preferential formation of the 3-substituted isomers over the 1-substituted ...