Synthesis of 1-Aminoisoquinolines via the Coinage Metal Cocatalyzed Reaction of 2-Alkynylbenzaldoximes with Isocyanoacetates

An efficient reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes with 2-isocyanoacetates cocatalyzed by silver triflate and gold(I) chloride is described, providing 1-aminoisoquinolines in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. Mechanistic experiments suggest that the gold(I) cation might play a crucial role in the activation of the isocyanide substrate. The observed reactivity and the unique pathway of substrate activation in the cocatalyzed processes are quite informative for further study.