Iron Catalyzed Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of Tetrahydroisoquinoline Affording Amide-bearing Dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

Abstract

<p>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-<i>a</i>]isoquinolines could be prepared through SN2’/oxidation/ electrocyclization/aromatization cascade (32-62% yield).</p><p><br></p>