Direct Synthesis of Dihydropyrrolo[2,1‐a]Isoquinolines through FeCl3 Promoted Oxidative Aromatization.

We have developed a straightforward FeCl3 promoted synthesis of dihydropyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines through formal (3+2) cycloaddition/oxidative aromatization cascade of dihydroisoquinoline with Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman carbonates (up to 96% yield). Further modifications of the obtained products were successful through simple chemical transformations providing a diverse range of natural product‐like molecules (12 examples). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]