A synyhesis protocol involving beta-lithiation of 2-(2-pyridinyl) indoles (4→ 5) and subsequent reaction with bromoacetaldehyde leads to the indol [2, 3-a] quinolzine (1) ring system. Application of this methodology to 2-(2-pyridinyl) indole 17, which is prepered via Taylor-Boger triazine Dieis-Alder annulation chemistry, affords the zwitterionic indole alkaloid sempervirine (3).