New approaches to the synthesis of benzo[h]pyrroloisoquinoline derivatives

An effective strategy for the synthesis of benzo[h]pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives has been developed. The process can be described as a one-pot domino reaction that consists of an initial Michael addition, intramolecular cyclization, and subsequent transformations leading to the formation of the desired products. A wide range of structurally diverse hydrogenated benzo[h]pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines were obtained in 34–98% yield. This strategy represents an efficient catalyst-free procedure that allows the synthesis of previously inaccessible compounds. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd