Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1-<i>a</i>]isoquinolines through Cu-Catalyzed Condensation/Addition/Oxidation/Cyclization Cascade

Abstract

We have developed a copper-catalyzed synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-<i>a</i>]isoquinolines with terminal alkynes, aldehydes, and tetrahydroisoquinolines. A variety of pyrrolo[2,1-<i>a</i>]isoquinolines have been prepared in 17-69% yield via a condensation/Mannich-type addition/oxidation/cyclization cascade sequence. Modifications through simple chemical transformations provided highly functionalized molecules containing a privileged framework.