Visible-Light Photocatalytic Tri- and Difluoroalkylation Cyclizations: Access to a Series of Indole[2,1- a]isoquinoline Derivatives in Continuous Flow

Org Lett. 2021 Mar 5;23(5):1950-1954. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c00476. Epub 2021 Feb 24.

Abstract

A process for achieving photocatalyzed tri- and difluoromethylation/cyclizations for constructing a series of tri- or difluoromethylated indole[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives is described. This protocol utilized an inexpensive organic photoredox catalyst and provided good yields. Moreover, the combination of continuous flow and photochemistry, designed to provide researchers with a unique green process, was also shown to be key to allowing the reaction to proceed (product yield of 83% in flow vs 0% in batch).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Cyclization
  • Indoles / chemical synthesis*
  • Indoles / chemistry
  • Isoquinolines / chemical synthesis*
  • Isoquinolines / chemistry
  • Light
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Photochemistry

Substances

  • Indoles
  • Isoquinolines