A convenient synthesis of N-methyl-3-(2-ethenylphenyl)-1(2 H)-isoquinolones, key models for the elaboration of the benzo[ c]phenanthridinone and phenanthridine skeletons

Abstract

A variety of N-methyl-3-(2-ethenylphenyl)-1(2 H)-isoquinolones 1a–e have been prepared by base-induced intramolecular cyclization of N-(2-ethenylbenzoyl)- N,2-dimethylbenzamide derivatives 2a–e. The concomitant formation of the fused dihydro benzo[ c]phenanthridinones 7a–e was also observed during this process.