Palladium(II)-catalyzed heterocyclisation of 8-arylethynyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines: a facile route to 2-aryl-5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline derivatives

The Rügheimer-Burrows reaction revisited: Facile preparation of 4-alkylisoquinolines and 3,5-dialkylpyridines from (partially) saturated amines

A long-known class of cyclic amine/aldehyde condensation reactions was reinvestigated. Benzoic acid was found to efficiently promote condensations of amines such as piperidine or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline with aromatic aldehydes, resulting in amine β-functionalization and aromatization. These redox-neutral transformations provide 3,5-dialkylpyridines and 4-alkylisoquinolines in moderate to good yields, following short reaction times under microwave conditions.

NH4PF6-promoted cyclodehydration of α-amino carbonyl compounds: efficient synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline and indole derivatives

NH₄PF₆ is an inexpensive, safe, and low-toxicity inorganic salt; it was found to promote the cyclodehydration of α-amino carbonyl compounds in the absence of metal reagents.