Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology.
Vol. 38.
2002.
P. 355-360
Condensation of 5,6-dihydroindolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline with aromatic aldehydes in trifluoroacetic acid afforded 12-arylidene-5,6-dihydroindolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinium trifluoroacetates. Hydrogenolysis of these salts on rhenium heptasulfide at elevated temperature and hydrogen pressure yielded indolo [2,1-a]isoquinolines, while reduction with sodium borohydride gave 12-arylmethylindoloisoquinolines. Photoluminescence was found for some indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines.