Synthesis of Isoquinoline Derivatives from β-Hydroxyarylethanamides

Abstract

A simple and efficient protocol for the construction of medicinally important substituted isoquinolines through intramolecular cyclization of β-hydroxyarylethanamides using acetic anhydride and phosphorous pentoxide in dioxane has been described. The chemo- and regioselectivities due to the influence of different catalysts were investigated and optimized for good to excellent yields. All the synthesized compounds have been characterized by NMR and mass spectral analyses.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• β-Hydroxyarylethanamide
• intramolecular cyclization
• isoquinolines
• phosphorous pentoxide
• selectivity

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

R. S. is grateful to Syngene International Limited, Bangalore, for providing the necessary facilities.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Full experimental details and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra for this article can be accessed on the publisher’s website.