Enantioselective Dearomative Arylation of Isoquinolines

The C1-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines and 1,2-dihydroisoquinoline constitute an important group and are interesting structural motifs found in many natural products and pharmaceuticals. In this context, a phosphoric-acid-catalyzed enantioselective dearomative arylation of isoquinolines was realized, providing the chiral dihydroisoquinolines with indole substituents at the C1-position in good results (up to >99% yield and 97% ee). The reaction features mild reaction conditions and operational simplicity, which make it an attractive approach to the discovery of biologically interesting α-indolisoquinolines.