A new approach towards the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

Reaction of 5-bromo-2-methyl-8-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline with activated alkynes affords stable tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-4-ium ylides. Further reactions of ylide 2 gives access to substituted dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines in good yields. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.