Synthesis of Pyrrolo-isoquinolines Related to the Lamellarins Using Silver-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization/Dipolar Cycloaddition

Synthesis of pyrrolo-isoquinolines related to the lamellarin alkaloids employing silver-catalyzed cycloisomerization−dipolar cycloaddition of alkynyl N-benzylidene glycinates is described. Mechanistic studies revealed Ag(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerization to an azomethine ylide as a key step for formation of angular pyrrolo-isoquinolines.