Sequential Photo-oxidative [3+2] Cycloaddition/Oxidative Aromatization Reactions for the Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines Using Molecular Oxygen as the Terminal Oxidant

We report an efficient method for the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives using sequential [3 + 2] cydoaddition/oxidative aromatization reactions catalyzed by methylene blue with fluorescent light irradiation under an oxygen atmosphere. The products were obtained in moderate to good yields.