CuI-Catalyzed Selenylation of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and Other Electron-Rich Heteroarenes

We have established a mild CuI-catalyzed selenylation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives in the presence of mCPBA (m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid) at ambient temperature. Corresponding organoselenides have been prepared readily in 53-92% yields. This process can also be expanded to the modification of pyrroles, azaindole, and indoles, delivering the desired heterocyclic selenides in moderate to good yields.

HCl/DMSO/HFIP-Mediated Chlorination of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and Other Electron-Rich Heteroarenes

An efficient oxidative chlorination of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines has been established using HCl (aq) as the chlorine source and DMSO as the terminal oxidant in HFIP at ambient temperature. A variety of chlorinated pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives have been prepared readily in 23 to 99% yields. This chlorination strategy can be expanded to the functionalization of other electron-rich heteroarenes including substituted pyrroles, indoles, and naphthols.

TBHP/Et3N-Promoted Chemoselective Formylation and Peroxidation of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

An efficient formylation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives has been reached by the use of TBHP (tBuOOH) and Et3N as the mediator. In this strategy, CHO and CDO can be readily incorporated into heteroarenes by the utilization of CHCl3 and CDCl3 as the carbonyl sources. Interestingly, a solvent-controlled chemoselectivity was observed. The use of PhCl as a solvent resulted in dearomatization and peroxidation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines, delivering functionalized peroxides in 53-64% yields.

Iron-Catalyzed Synthesis of Peroxylpyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines through Oxidative Dearomatization

A mild late-stage modification of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines was established through iron-catalyzed oxidative dearomatization and peroxidation. Peroxylated pyrroloisoquinolines have been prepared readily with hydroperoxide in low to good yields (up to 72%) at room temperature. Interestingly, the treatment of fully aromatized pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines under the current reaction system resulted in the formation of ring-opening products.

NH4OAc/DMSO-Promoted Benzylation of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

Benzylation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives has been realized with various phenols by the use of ammonium acetate as a promoter (20 examples, up to 84% yield). DMSO served as the source of methylene and solvent. The employment of iron chloride as a catalyst can also afford the desired benzylated products in moderate to good yields (11 examples, up to a 74% yield).

Substrate-Controlled Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Novel Polycyclic Frameworks via [4 + 2] and [3 + 2] Annulations of Ninhydrin-Derived MBH Adducts with 3,4-Dihydroisoquinolines

Substrate-controlled diversity-oriented synthesis of polycyclic frameworks via [4 + 2] and [3 + 2] annulations between ninhydrin-derived Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) adducts and 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines under similar reaction conditions have been developed. The reaction provides diversity-oriented synthesis of a series of novel and structurally complex spiro multi heterocyclic skeletons in good yields (up to 87% and 90%, respectively) with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >25:1 dr). In particular, the switchable [4 + 2] and [3 + 2] annulation reactions are controlled by tuning the hydroxyl protecting group on the ninhydrin-derived MBH adduct to deliver structural diverse spiro[indene-2,2'-[1,3]oxazino[2,3-a]isoquinoline] and spiro[indene-2,1'-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline], respectively. Furthermore, the relative configuration and chemical structure of two kinds of cycloadducts were confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis.

POCl3/Sulfoxide and AcCl/Sulfoxide Mediated Chlorination of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

We have developed an efficient chlorination of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives using POCl3 as the chlorine source and tetramethylene sulfoxide as a promoter. A series of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines, polysubstituted pyrroles, and naphthols have been readily chlorinated under mild reaction conditions (26 examples, up to >99% yield). AcCl can also act as the chlorine source competently in this chlorination reaction.

AcBr/DMSO Mediated Sulfenylation of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

We have developed a mild sulfenylation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with acetyl bromide and dimethyl sulfoxide. A wide range of functionalized pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines could be prepared efficiently through the formation of a C-S bond with thiophenols (27 examples, 36-94% yields). The current strategy can also be utilized for functionalization of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines and indole.

Nitration of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

We have successfully modified a series of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines via direct nitration under mild reaction conditions. Easily accessible nitrates including CAN, Cu(NO₃)₂·H₂O, and Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O all can serve as effective nitrating reagents for functionalizing pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines. Various nitro-bearing pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines have been efficiently prepared in acceptable to good yields.

Bromination of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with Acetyl Bromide and Dimethyl Sulfoxide

A mild bromination of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines has been achieved using acetyl bromide and dimethyl sulfoxide. A series of brominated pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines could be obtained in moderate to excellent yields (46-99%) at room temperature. This strategy can also be expanded to the facile bromination of polysubstituted pyrroles, indoles, electron-rich phenols, aniline, and 2-naphthol.

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

We have developed a copper-catalyzed synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with terminal alkynes, aldehydes, and tetrahydroisoquinolines. A variety of pyrrolo[2,1-a]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.

Modification of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and Polysubstituted Pyrroles via Methylenation with Acetyl Chloride and Dimethylsulfoxide

A convenient synthesis of methylene-bridged pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines has been developed. Treatment of pyrroloisoquinolines with acetyl chloride and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at ambient temperature afforded bispyrroloisoquinolylmethanes in 17-85% yields. This reaction system can also be expanded to the synthesis of bispyrrolylmethanes (34-94% yields). Easy chemical transformation of methylene-bridged pyrroloisoquinoline provided an unsymmetric acid and amide possessing a privileged framework.

Facile Synthesis of Tricyclic 1,2,4-Oxadiazolines-Fused Tetrahydro-Isoquinolines from Oxime Chlorides with 3,4-Dihydroisoquinoline Imines

A mild and efficient strategy for the synthesis of tricyclic 1,2,4-oxadiazolines-fused tetrahydro-isoquinolines derivatives via [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction is reported. The reactions provided the functionalized tricyclic 1,2,4-oxadiazolines in high yields (up to 96%). This protocol is simple and easy to handle. Moreover, a gram-scale experiment further highlights the synthetic utility. The chemical structure of the product was determined by X-ray single-crystal structure analysis. A possible mechanism for this transformation is proposed to explain the reaction process.

Recent progress in the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines occur frequently in a large number of bioactive natural products and pharmaceutically important molecules. The synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives is an easy and useful way to produce artificial molecules with potential applications. A huge number of excellent methodologies for constructing pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines have been reported in the last decade. This review summarizes the recent advances in this research field covering from 2011 to 2021.

One-Pot Synthesis of Chromone-Fused Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and Indolizino[8,7-b]indoles: Iodine-Promoted Oxidative [2 + 2 + 1] Annulation of O-Acetylphenoxyacrylates with Tetrahydroisoquinolines and Noreleagnines

An iodine-promoted one-pot cascade oxidative annulation reaction has been developed for the synthesis of chromone-fused-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and indolizino[8,7-b]indoles from o-acetylphenoxyacrylates, tetrahydroisoquinolines, and noreleagnines. This process underwent a logical approach to both chromone-fused-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and chromone-fused-indolizino[8,7-b]indoles isolamellarin derivatives. Manipulations of l-menthol and dl-α-tocopherol demonstrate the applications of this strategy.

Facile synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines by domino reaction of 1-aroyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolines with conjugated ketones, nitroalkenes and nitriles

A convenient protocol for the synthesis of 5,6-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with various electron-withdrawing substituents at C-2 atom is described. This approach is based on the two-component domino reaction of 1-aroyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolines with α,β-unsaturated ketones, nitroalkenes and acrylonitrile. Depending on the selected substrates, the reaction was performed in TFE under reflux or under microwave irradiation. Only for the two examples, a transition metal catalyst was used.

Formylation and Bromination of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline Derivatives with Bromoisobutyrate and Dimethyl Sulfoxide

We have developed an efficient formylation of pyrroloisoquinolines using bromoisobutyrate and dimethyl sulfoxide as carbonyl reagent. Various formylated pyrroloisoquinolines could be prepared in good yields (up to 94%). This formylation process can be easily scaled up to gram scale with good yield. In most cases of pyrroloisoquinolines without methoxy groups, the combination of bromoisobutyrate and dimethyl sulfoxide could act as a bromination reagent, delivering brominated pyrroloisoquinolines in acceptable to good yields (up to 82%).

Synthesis of Tetrahydroindolizino[8,7-b]indole Derivatives in the Presence of Fe(OTf)3 or CF3SO3H through Intramolecular Dearomatization of Indole

We have developed a convenient synthesis of tetrahydroindolizino[8,7-b]indole derivatives via intramolecular dearomatization of indole. Highly functionalized tetrahydroindolizinoindoles can be prepared in the presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in good to excellent yields (up to >99% yield) with novel designed pyrrole-tethered indoles. The same products can also be synthesized through a mild Fe(OTf)₃-catalyzed process in acceptable to good yields (up to 75% yield).

CuBr/NHPI co-catalyzed aerobic oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition-aromatization to access 5,6-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

An efficient and enviromentally friendly CuBr/NHPI co-catalyzed aerobic oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition-aromatization cascade was realized with N-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines and electron-deficient olefins. Under the mild conditions, the reaction proceeded smoothly and displayed excellent functional group tolerance, affording 5,6-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines in good to high yields. This protocol exhibits a broad substrate scope to both N-alkyl tetrahydroisoquinolines and dipolarophile substrates.

FeCl2 catalyzed direct modification of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with phenols

A mild catalytic modification of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with various phenols via the formation of heteroarene cation radicals as key intermediates has been developed. A range of direct cross-coupling products could be obtained in acceptable to excellent yields (up to 98%) in the presence of FeCl2.

FeCl3 mediated dimerization of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and chlorination of tetrasubstituted pyrroles

We have developed a mild and direct dimerization of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines through FeCl₃-mediated oxidative homocoupling. A series of dimeric dihydropyrroloisoquinoline derivatives were obtained in acceptable to excellent yields (up to >99%). Attempts to expand this dimerization system to the synthesis of dimeric pyrroles failed and chlorination products were obtained in most cases instead of dimeric pyrroles.

Multicomponent Reaction for the Synthesis of 5,6-Dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

A multicomponent reaction between isatin, tetrahydroisoquinoline, and terminal alkyne in the presence of benzoic acid for the synthesis of N-(substituted-2-(2-phenyl-5,6-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-yl)phenyl)-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-2(1H)-carboxamides is described. This three-component reaction proceeds via sequential formation of spirooxindole, generation of isocyanate functionality via cleavage of the C2-C3 bond in the isatin subunit of spirooxindole, and addition of the second molecule of tetrahydroisoquinoline to the isocyanate group to offer title compounds. Expansion of the protocol to four-component by including an additional primary amine affords 1-substituted-3-(2-(2-phenyl-5,6-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-yl)phenyl)urea in low to moderate yields. However, the reaction of intermediate spirooxindole with tetrahydroisoquinoline or any primary or secondary amine produced the title compound in excellent yields.

Aza-Nazarov Cyclization Reactions via Anion Exchange Catalysis

A catalytic aza-Nazarov cyclization between 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines and α,β-unsaturated acyl chlorides has been developed to access α-methylene-γ-lactam products in good yields (up to 79%) as single diastereomers. The reactions proceed efficiently when AgOTf is used as an anion exchange catalyst with a 20 mol % loading at 80 °C. Computational studies were performed to investigate the reaction mechanism, and the findings support the role of the -TMS group in reducing the reaction barrier of the key cyclization step.

Highly Efficient and Diastereoselective Construction of Trifluoromethyl-Containing Spiro[pyrrolidin-3,2'-oxindole] by a Catalyst-free Mutually Activated [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction

A catalyst-free self-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of isatin-derived α-(trifluoromethyl)imines with vinylpyridines is reported. The reaction offers a straightforward and atom-economical procedure for the preparation of a series of 5'-trifluoromethyl-spiro[pyrrolidin-3,2'-oxindoles] in excellent yields and diastereoselectivities. The reaction mechanism has been investigated by control experiments, DFT calculation of pK_a values and the kinetic profiles, revealing that this reaction featured the mutual activation between isatin-derived α-(trifluoromethyl)imines and vinylpyridine to generate the reactive species.

Catalyst-free [3 + 2] cyclization of dihydroisoquinoline imines and isatin-derived Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates via 1,5-electrocyclization: synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinoline-fused spirooxindoles

The incorporation of tetrahydroisoquinoline and spirooxindole frameworks has been achieved.