Synthesis of indolo[2,1-<i>a</i>]isoquinoline derivatives <i>via</i> visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization reactions

Abstract

We describe a photocatalyzed transformation for the synthesis of the indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline core structure. This redox neutral reaction features mild reaction conditions and exceptional functional group tolerance. A series of valuable indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives bearing various functional groups were synthesized using this method in good to excellent yields.