Iron Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition of Tetrahydroisoquinoline: Synthesis of Dihydropyrrolo[2,1‐ <i>a</i> ]isoquinolines

Abstract

Abstract We have developed an iron(III) chloride hexahydrate catalyzed formal [3+2] cycloaddition of tetrahydroisoquinolines with amide group‐bearing Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman (MBH) carbonates. A range of highly functionalized dihydropyrrolo[2,1‐ a ]isoquinolines could be prepared through SN2’/oxidation/electrocyclization/aromatization cascade (32–62% yield).