A convenient synthesis of pyrrolo­[2,1-a]­iso­quino­linium salts from 1-pyrrolines and alkynes through rhodium-catalyzed C–H functionalization/N-annulation tandem reaction is described. The protocol features a good substrate tolerance, mild reaction conditions, and high yields of target products. Exploration of the alkyne scope unexpectedly revealed a novel labile functional group-promoted rhodium-catalyzed C–H functionalization/C-annulation/elimination cascade reaction of 1-pyrrolines with electron-deficient alkynes.