Synthesis of substituted tetrahydroindoloisoquinoline derivatives via intramolecular Pd-catalyzed alkene carboamination reactions.

Abstract

Intramolecular Pd-catalyzed alkene carboamination reactions of substituted 2-allyl-N-(2-bromobenzyl)anilines are described. The substrates for these reactions are generated in two steps from readily available 2-allylanilines and 2-bromobenzaldehyde derivatives. The transformations afford substituted tetrahydroindoloisoquinolines, an uncommon class of fused bicyclic heterocycles, in good yield. The mechanism of these transformations is described, and a model that accounts for the observed product stereochemistry is proposed.