Harnessing the Potential of Electron Donor-Acceptor Complexes and N-Centered Radicals: Expanding the Frontiers of Isoquinoline Derivative Synthesis

Research on synthesizing nitrogen-containing heterocyclic scaffolds is important because these structures are commonly found in Nature, such as in the alkaloids' family. In our study, we propose a new method to synthesize the isoquinoline core using an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex strategy. Our mechanistic investigations have confirmed that our synthesis process operates through an EDA mechanism, which is not extensively discussed in the literature, particularly regarding its applications on alkynyl substrates. This EDA strategy has proven to be a simple and straightforward way to produce isoquinoline scaffolds and their derivatives without the need for metal catalysts.

Synthesis of Isoquinolines and Related Heterocycles under Visible-Light Conditions

Visible-light catalysis is now widely acknowledged as a potent approach for efficiently constructing various types of frameworks, particularly bioactive compounds, with high yields. However, there is still a strong need for further advancements in these methods because certain delicate compounds cannot be synthesized due to structural sensitivity. In this context, a seamless reaction pathway toward 6-membered ring nitrogen-containing heterocycles is presented here, offering access to isoquinoline derivatives and related heterocycles.

Efficient Pathway for the Preparation of Aryl(isoquinoline)iodonium(III) Salts and Synthesis of Radiofluorinated Isoquinolines

Iodonium compounds play a pivotal role in (18) F-fluorination of radiopharmaceuticals containing non-activated arenes. However, preparation of these species is limited to oxidation conditions or exchange with organometallics that are prepared from aryl halides. Herein we describe a novel "one-pot" process to assemble aryl(isoquinoline)iodonium salts in 40-94 % yields from mesoionic carbene silver complex and Aryl-I-Py2 (OTf)2 . The method is general, practical, and compatible with well-functionalized molecules as well as useful for the preparation of a wide range of (18) F-labeled isoquinolines resulting in up to 92 % radiochemical conversion. As proof of concept, a fluorinated isoquinoline alkaloid, (18) F-aspergillitine is prepared in 10 % isolated radiochemical yield from the corresponding phenyl(aspergillitine)iodonium salt.