Pseudo-Multicomponent Reactions of Arynes with N‑Aryl Imines

Pseudo-three-component reactions are described for the conversion of simple N-aryl imines into 1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-type products. The approach relies on a regioselective cascade reaction involving two equivalents of the aryne component iteratively as a dienophile and as an electrophile. Some examples of related, more complex pseudo-four-component cascade processes are also reported.